One of the fellows,
according to their usual impertinence, asked the lady where she was
going? She answered, near St. Olave's church. Upon which he said, she
had better go through the bridge. The lady replied she had never gone
through the bridge in her life, nor would she venture for a hundred
guineas; so commanded him once more to land her at Pepper Alley Stairs.
Notwithstanding which, in spite of her fears, threats, and commands; nay,
in spite of the persuasion of his fellow, he forced her through London
Bridge, which frightened her beyond expression. And to mend the matter,
he obliged her to pay double fare, and mobbed her into the bargain.
To resent which abuse, application was made to the hall, the fellow
summoned, and the lady ordered to attend, which she did, waiting there
all the morning, and was appointed to call again in the afternoon. She
came accordingly, they told her the fellow had been there, but was gone,
and that she must attend another Friday. She attended again and again,
but to the same purpose. Nor have they yet produced the man, but tired
out the lady, who has spent above ten shillings in coach-hire, been
abused and baffled into the bargain.
It is pity, therefore, there are not commissioners for watermen, as there
are for hackney coachmen; or that justices of the peace might not inflict
bodily penalties on watermen thus offending.
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