forget and allways to be thankfull for, Escaped. Y^e bridge was over the River Linn w^{ch} Comes from Norfolke and does almost Encompass the jsland of Ely w^{ch} is 20 mile in bigness, in w^{ch} are severall Little towns as Wisbech and many others. There is another River that joyns w^{th} y^e Linn w^{ch} Compasses this land into an jsland. At this bridge is a gate, but by reason of y^e great raines y^e roades were full of water, even quite to y^e town w^{ch} you ascend a very steep hill into, but y^e dirtyest place I ever saw, not a bitt of pitching in y^e streetes, so its a perfect quagmire y^e whole Citty, only just about y^e palace and Churches the streetes are well enough for breadth, but for want of pitching it seemes only a harbour to breed and nest vermine in of w^{ch} there is plenty Enough, so that tho’ my Chamber was near 20 Stepps up I had froggs and slow worms and snailes in my Roome, but suppose it was brought up w^{th} y^e faggotts. But it Cannot but be jnfested w^{th} all such things being altogether moorish ffenny ground w^{ch} Lyes Low: it is true were the Least Care taken to pitch their streetes it would make it Looke more properly an habitation for human beings and not a Cage or nest of unclean Creatures. It must needs be very unhealthy tho’ the natives say much to the Contrary w^{ch} proceeds from Custom and use, otherwise to persons born in up and dry Countryes it must destroy them Like Rotten sheep in Consumptions and Rhums. The Bishop does not Care to stay long in this place not being for his health; he is the Lord of all the jsland, has the Command and y^e jurisdiction. They have lost their Charter and so are no Corporation but all things are directed by the Bishop and its a shame he does not see it better ordered and y^e buildings and streetes put in a better Condition. They are a slothful people and for little but y^e takeing Care of their Grounds and Cattle w^{ch} is of vast advantage. Where the yeares prove drye they gaine so much that in Case 6 or 7 wet yeares drown them all over, the one good yeare sufficiently Repaires their loss.