He's not exaggerating about the trip. At that time the roads were terrible. Roads in ROMAN times were in better repair than roads in 18th century England. They didn't improve for another 50 years!
The plume motif, top center, that has appeared on several pages is taken from a 1780s funeral biscuit mold. By 'biscuit', I mean cookie. By 'funeral biscuit mold', I mean that gifts were handed out at funerals- to the family, gold rings or black gloves or hat bands, to common people, a packet of biscuits, stamped with something symbolic.
Why feathers? For a wealthy man's funeral, black ostrich plumes were worn by the horses in the funeral procession, adorned the corners of the funeral bier, and worn by the female mourners. Google a picture of Abraham Lincoln's funeral and you'll see the custom persisted even a hundred years later.
I did not realize when I drew this that 3 feathered plumes on a crown was the symbol of the Prince of Wales. Who would have guessed that a funeral biscuit mold from Philadelphia would bear the crest of the Prince of Wales?!
So remember, when doing historical research, do a better job of it than me!
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