[617]This followed to a certain extent the French system of charging postage, which depended more upon weight and less upon the number of enclosures than the English method.[618]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.[619]In 1838, it was enacted that the postage on a single letter (not from the United Kingdom or going there) between any two Mediterranean ports or from a Mediterranean port to the East Indies should be 6d.via the Red Sea or Persian Gulf. The Gibraltar rate remained the same (1 and 2 Vict., c. 97).[620]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.[621]7 Wm. IV and I Vict., c. 34.[622]2 and 3 Vict., c. 52.[623]Acc. & P., 1841, xxvi, 53, pp. 1-7.[624]Additional exceptions were made later in the case of1. Reissuable country bank notes delivered at the General Post Office in London.2. Deeds, legal proceedings and papers.3. Letters to and from places beyond the seas.4. Letters to and from any government office or department (or to and from any person having the franking privilege by virtue of his office).Acc. & P.1841, xxvi, 53, p. 4.[625]Double rates were charged when the postage was paid on delivery.[626]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96.[627]Cal. S. P. D., 1651-52, p. 507.[628]Cal. S. P. D., 1652-53, p. 449.[629]Parliamentary History of England, iv (1660-88), col. 163.[630]Cal. T. P., 1557-1696, p. 281.[631]Cal. T. B. & P., 1731-34, pp. 208, 210, 218, 268.[632]Cal. S. P. D., 1667, p. 248.[633]Cal. S. P. D., 1666-67, p.386.[634]Jo. H. C., 1714-18, p. 303.[635]Cal. T. P., 1714-19, p. 287.[636]Cal. T. P., 1720-28, p. 77.[637]Jo. H. C., 1732-37, p. 393.[638]Ibid., 1732-37.[639]Jo. H. C., 1732-37, p. 476.[640]Jo. H. L., 1736-41, p. 259.[641]Ibid., p. 529.[642]One man in five months counterfeited 14,400 franks of members of Parliament. Counterfeits of names of 27 members were shown. A regular trade in buying and selling them had sprung up (Jo. H. C., 1761-64, p. 998). Several Lords certified that their names had been counterfeited. Lord Dacre's name had been counterfeited 504 times (Jo. H. L., 1760-64, p. 534).[643]Cal. T. B. & P., 1739-41, p. 450.[644]Joyce, p. 189.[645]4 Geo. III, c. 24.[646]Jo. H. C., 1761-64, pp. 1000-1001.[647]Ibid., p. 999.[648]Jo. H. C., p. 999.[649]Ibid., 1761-64, p. 1001.[650]Ibid., 1780-82, p. 537.[651]22 Geo. III, c. 70; 23 Geo. III, c. 69.[652]Jo. H. C., 1790-91, p. 468.[653]Ibid., 1784-85, p. 383. The Lords also agreed to this resolution (ibid., p.411; 24 Geo. III, sess. 2, c. 37).[654]For the years 1783 and 1784, the number of free letters arriving in London, exclusive of the state's letters, averaged over 800,000 a year and those sent from London averaged over 1,000,000. In 1785, they had fallen to 514,000 and 713,000 respectively (Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 95).[655]24 Geo. III, c. 6;Jo. H. C., 1795-96, p. 588.[656]35 Geo. III, c. 53. After 1786 the number of franked letters had gradually increased until checked by this act. In 1795 the number of franked letters delivered in London was 1,045,000, the number sent from London 1,195,000. In 1796, the inward and outward free letters amounted to 737,000 and 787,000 respectively. In 1797 the numbers were 696,000 and 721,000. These restricting acts of 1784 and 1795 had a more important effect than Joyce leads us to suppose (Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 95).[657]Those officials in the General Post Office who had no franking privilege were reimbursed the amount of postage paid by them on inland single letters (Rep. Commrs., 1837, xxxiv, 8th rep., app., no. 2).[658]42 Geo. III, c. 63.[659]43 Geo. III, c. 28.[660]Parl. Deb., 1st ser., iii, col. 570. The following are a few of the statutes enacted which extended franking: 46 Geo. III, c. 61; 50 Geo. III, c. 65, sec. 19; c. 66; 51 Geo. III, c. 16, sec. 17; 52 Geo. III, c. 132, sec. 16; c. 146, sec. 11; 53 Geo. III, c. 13; 54 Geo. III, c. 169; 55 Geo. III, c. 1, sec. 10; c. 60, secs. 41-42; 56 Geo. III, c. 98, sec. 24.[661]6 Geo. IV, c. 68, sec. 10.[662]6 Geo. IV, c. 68; LondonTimes, 1825, June 11, p. 3; July 29, p. 2.[663]7 and 8 Geo. IV, c. 21.[664]5 and 6 Wm. IV, c. 25. Before the passage of this act newspapers passed free by the packets and posts to and from Hamburg, Bremen, and Cuxhaven (LondonTimes, 1834, Oct. 30, p. 2).[665]6 and 7 Wm. IV, c. 25.[666]In Great Britain re-issuable notes of country banks paid in London were conveyed by the post to the issuing bank at one quarter the regular rates for letters, but parcels of notes had to exceed six ounces in weight and contain no other matter (5 Geo. IV, c. 20).[667]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.[668]7 Wm. IV. and 1 Vict., c. 36.[669]5 and 6 Wm. IV, c. 25.[670]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34. Maximum increased to thirty ounces by 7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 25.[671]53 Geo. III, c. 89; 7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 32.[672]Wallace, the postal reformer, declared that other members had been in the habit of receiving more than fifteen free letters in a day and that, too, with Freeling's consent (Parl. Deb., 3d series, xxiv, col. 1001).[673]7 Wm. IV. and 1 Vict., c. 35.[674]Rep. Com., 1837-38, xx, 2d rep., app., p. 109.[675]Ibid., xx, 3d rep., p. 62.[676]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96. Recent attempts by certain members of Parliament to revive the franking privilege have fortunately been unsuccessful (Parl. Deb., 4th ser., lxxxi, col. 1407; civ, col. 360).[677]But in 1861 the registration fee was reduced from 6d.to 4d.and a double fee charged for compulsory registration (Rep. P. G., 1862, pp. 9-10).[678]Rep. P. G., 1866, p. 12.[679]Ibid., 1870, pp. 3-5; 1897, p. 5; 1896, p. 2; 1898, pp. 1-2.[680]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96; 10 and 11 Vict., c. 85; 23 and 24 Vict., c. 65.[681]Rep. P. G., 1892, p. 8; 1894, p.2; 1895, p. 4; 1901, p. 4.[682]Rep.P. G., 1862, pp. 9-10; 1879, p. 13; 1897, p. 5.[683]Ibid., 1896, p. 3; 1882, p. 3; 1906, p. 1.[684]Ibid., 1896, p. 2; 1889, p. 2; 1897, p. 5; 1895, p. 18.[685]Ibid., 1903, p. 5.[686]Rep. P. G., 1885, p. 14; 1898, pp. 1-2.[687]Even at this time (1850) the shilling rate was the rule.[688]Acc. & P., 1852-53, xcv., 204, pp. 2-3;Rep. P. G., 1855, pp. 36-37; 1858, p. 20;Rep. Com., 1868-69, vi, p. iv;Rep. P. G., 1871, app., p. 29; 1870, pp. 6-7.[689]Ibid., 1891, p. 6; app., p. 39.[690]Ibid., 1899, p. 7; 1906, p. 1.[691]Rep. P. G., 1907, pp. 4-5.[692]Ibid., 1864, p. 21; 1859, pp. 19-20.[693]Ibid., 1875, p. 13.[694]Ibid., 1892, p. 8; 1906, pp. 1-2.[695]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 26-32; 1897, pp. 10-11; 1904, pp. 11-12; 1906, p. 1.[696]Ibid., 1897, pp. 10-11.[697]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 30-32.[698]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 28-30; 1897, pp. 10-11; 1904, p. 11; 1906, p. 1.[699]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 48 (25).[700]L. & P. Hen. VIII, ii, pp. 1444-51-53-57-58-60-62-63-66-72;A. P. C., 1547-50, pp. 111, 278, 307, 319, 413; 1552-54, pp. 74, 137, 402.[701]Cal. S. P. D., 1623-25, pp. 55, 285; 1628-29, p. 184; 1629-31, pp. 379, 440.[702]The proceeds from de Quester's rates, which went into effect from this year, may possibly have gone to the Post Office. After Witherings' rates were announced in 1635, they certainly did.[703]Cal. S. P. D., 1603-10, p. 9.[704]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 43 (21).[705]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 12, app., pt. 4, p. 472.[706]Cal. T. P., 1697-1702, p. 289.[707]Cal. S. P. D., 1641-43, p. 213.[708]Jo. H. C., 1648-51, p. 385.[709]Cal. S. P. D., 1653-54, p. 365.[710]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 15, app., pt. 1, p. 97.[711]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 76 (53).[712]Cal. S. P. D., 1661-62, pp. 122, 245.[713]15 Chas. II, c. 14.[714]Cal. S. P. D., 1663-64, p. 598.[715]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 81.[716]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 362.[717]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 406.[718]Hist. MSS. Com.,House of Lords, i, pp. 84-87.[719]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 93 (66).[720]Cal. T. P., 1708-14, p. 20.[721]For the gross product, net product, and expenses for each year, see Appendix, pp. 243, 244, 245, Tables I, II.[722]Rates were increased in 1784.[723]Hist. MSS. Com.,Dropmore, i, p. 179.[724]Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 93.[725]Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 91.[726]See Appendix, p. 246, TableIII; p. 247, Table IV.[727]See Appendix, p. 248, TableV.[728]Ireland had paid for mail coach tolls from the first and this partly explains the relatively high expenditure.[729]See Appendix, p. 248, TableV.[730]See Appendix, pp. 249, 250, 251, TableVI; p. 252, TableVII.[731]G. Roberts,Social History of the Southern Counties of England, 1856, p. 508; Joyce, p. 4.[732]Cal. S. P. D., 1581-90, p. 131.[733]Cal. S. P. D., 1581-90, p. 228; 1598-1601, p. 427;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, p. 4.[734]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, p. 4; app., p. 36 (14).[735]By "Posts for the Queen's immediate service" was probably meant the special messengers attached to the Court.[736]Cal. S. P. D., 1547-65, pp. 215-77;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 42 (20).[737]Letters carried by a friend or special messenger or a common carrier were excepted.[738]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 42 (20).[739]Ibid., 1591-94, p. 401.[740]Ibid., 1627-28, pp. 511-22.[741]The House had already shown its interest in postal affairs by summoning postmasters before the Committee of Grievances in 1624 (Jo. H. C., 1547-1628, pp. 689-774).[742]Cal. S. P. D., 1628-29, p. 177.[743]Ibid., 1625-49, p. 367; 1629-31, p. 200.[744]Cal. S. P. D., 1633-34, p. 39.[745]Ibid., 1637-38, pp. 22, 171, 177, 183.[746]Ibid., 1637-38, p. 193;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 58 (37).[747]Jo. H. C., 1640-42, p. 722.[748]These were the same judges who had decided in favour of Stanhope's patent in Stanhopev.Witherings.[749]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 67 (42).[750]Chas. Knight,London, 1842, iii, p. 276; R. R. Sharpe,London and the Kingdom, 1894, pp. 322-23.[751]Joyce, p. 29.[752]Cal. S. P. D., 1653-54, pp. 22-24, 372. See p. 33, note.[753]Cal. S. P. D., 1652-53, p. 456.[754]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 372.[755]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 177.[756]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 25.[757]Ibid., 1652-53, pp. 109-110.[758]Scobell,Collect., pt. ii, pp. 511-13.[759]12 Ch. II, c. 35.[760]Cal. S. P. D., 1660-61, p. 475.[761]In 1659 a book was published by John Hill, entitledA Penny Post—A vindication of the Liberty of every Englishman in carrying merchants' and other men's letters against any restraints of farmers of such employments(Notes and Queries, 6th ser., xi, p. 37).[762]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 82 (57).[763]Cal. S. P. D., 1663-64, pp. 8, 18.[764]Ibid., 1663-64, p. 145.[765]Ibid., 1663-64, p. 402.[766]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 88 (61).[767]Cal. S. P. D., 1668-69, p. 285.[768]Cal. S. P. D., 1668-69, p. 376.[769]Ibid., 1672-73, p. 64.[770]Knight,London, 1842, iii, p. 282; Joyce, pp. 121-23.[771]Joyce, p. 329.[772]9 Anne, c. 10; 42 Geo. III, c. 81; 46 Geo. III, c. 92; 53 Geo. III, c. 58; 5 Geo. IV, c. 20.[773]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 33.[774]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 36.[775]Acc. & P., 1834, xlix, 19, pp. 2-7.
[617]This followed to a certain extent the French system of charging postage, which depended more upon weight and less upon the number of enclosures than the English method.
[617]This followed to a certain extent the French system of charging postage, which depended more upon weight and less upon the number of enclosures than the English method.
[618]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.
[618]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.
[619]In 1838, it was enacted that the postage on a single letter (not from the United Kingdom or going there) between any two Mediterranean ports or from a Mediterranean port to the East Indies should be 6d.via the Red Sea or Persian Gulf. The Gibraltar rate remained the same (1 and 2 Vict., c. 97).
[619]In 1838, it was enacted that the postage on a single letter (not from the United Kingdom or going there) between any two Mediterranean ports or from a Mediterranean port to the East Indies should be 6d.via the Red Sea or Persian Gulf. The Gibraltar rate remained the same (1 and 2 Vict., c. 97).
[620]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.
[620]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.
[621]7 Wm. IV and I Vict., c. 34.
[621]7 Wm. IV and I Vict., c. 34.
[622]2 and 3 Vict., c. 52.
[622]2 and 3 Vict., c. 52.
[623]Acc. & P., 1841, xxvi, 53, pp. 1-7.
[623]Acc. & P., 1841, xxvi, 53, pp. 1-7.
[624]Additional exceptions were made later in the case of1. Reissuable country bank notes delivered at the General Post Office in London.2. Deeds, legal proceedings and papers.3. Letters to and from places beyond the seas.4. Letters to and from any government office or department (or to and from any person having the franking privilege by virtue of his office).Acc. & P.1841, xxvi, 53, p. 4.
[624]Additional exceptions were made later in the case of
[625]Double rates were charged when the postage was paid on delivery.
[625]Double rates were charged when the postage was paid on delivery.
[626]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96.
[626]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96.
[627]Cal. S. P. D., 1651-52, p. 507.
[627]Cal. S. P. D., 1651-52, p. 507.
[628]Cal. S. P. D., 1652-53, p. 449.
[628]Cal. S. P. D., 1652-53, p. 449.
[629]Parliamentary History of England, iv (1660-88), col. 163.
[629]Parliamentary History of England, iv (1660-88), col. 163.
[630]Cal. T. P., 1557-1696, p. 281.
[630]Cal. T. P., 1557-1696, p. 281.
[631]Cal. T. B. & P., 1731-34, pp. 208, 210, 218, 268.
[631]Cal. T. B. & P., 1731-34, pp. 208, 210, 218, 268.
[632]Cal. S. P. D., 1667, p. 248.
[632]Cal. S. P. D., 1667, p. 248.
[633]Cal. S. P. D., 1666-67, p.386.
[633]Cal. S. P. D., 1666-67, p.386.
[634]Jo. H. C., 1714-18, p. 303.
[634]Jo. H. C., 1714-18, p. 303.
[635]Cal. T. P., 1714-19, p. 287.
[635]Cal. T. P., 1714-19, p. 287.
[636]Cal. T. P., 1720-28, p. 77.
[636]Cal. T. P., 1720-28, p. 77.
[637]Jo. H. C., 1732-37, p. 393.
[637]Jo. H. C., 1732-37, p. 393.
[638]Ibid., 1732-37.
[638]Ibid., 1732-37.
[639]Jo. H. C., 1732-37, p. 476.
[639]Jo. H. C., 1732-37, p. 476.
[640]Jo. H. L., 1736-41, p. 259.
[640]Jo. H. L., 1736-41, p. 259.
[641]Ibid., p. 529.
[641]Ibid., p. 529.
[642]One man in five months counterfeited 14,400 franks of members of Parliament. Counterfeits of names of 27 members were shown. A regular trade in buying and selling them had sprung up (Jo. H. C., 1761-64, p. 998). Several Lords certified that their names had been counterfeited. Lord Dacre's name had been counterfeited 504 times (Jo. H. L., 1760-64, p. 534).
[642]One man in five months counterfeited 14,400 franks of members of Parliament. Counterfeits of names of 27 members were shown. A regular trade in buying and selling them had sprung up (Jo. H. C., 1761-64, p. 998). Several Lords certified that their names had been counterfeited. Lord Dacre's name had been counterfeited 504 times (Jo. H. L., 1760-64, p. 534).
[643]Cal. T. B. & P., 1739-41, p. 450.
[643]Cal. T. B. & P., 1739-41, p. 450.
[644]Joyce, p. 189.
[644]Joyce, p. 189.
[645]4 Geo. III, c. 24.
[645]4 Geo. III, c. 24.
[646]Jo. H. C., 1761-64, pp. 1000-1001.
[646]Jo. H. C., 1761-64, pp. 1000-1001.
[647]Ibid., p. 999.
[647]Ibid., p. 999.
[648]Jo. H. C., p. 999.
[648]Jo. H. C., p. 999.
[649]Ibid., 1761-64, p. 1001.
[649]Ibid., 1761-64, p. 1001.
[650]Ibid., 1780-82, p. 537.
[650]Ibid., 1780-82, p. 537.
[651]22 Geo. III, c. 70; 23 Geo. III, c. 69.
[651]22 Geo. III, c. 70; 23 Geo. III, c. 69.
[652]Jo. H. C., 1790-91, p. 468.
[652]Jo. H. C., 1790-91, p. 468.
[653]Ibid., 1784-85, p. 383. The Lords also agreed to this resolution (ibid., p.411; 24 Geo. III, sess. 2, c. 37).
[653]Ibid., 1784-85, p. 383. The Lords also agreed to this resolution (ibid., p.411; 24 Geo. III, sess. 2, c. 37).
[654]For the years 1783 and 1784, the number of free letters arriving in London, exclusive of the state's letters, averaged over 800,000 a year and those sent from London averaged over 1,000,000. In 1785, they had fallen to 514,000 and 713,000 respectively (Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 95).
[654]For the years 1783 and 1784, the number of free letters arriving in London, exclusive of the state's letters, averaged over 800,000 a year and those sent from London averaged over 1,000,000. In 1785, they had fallen to 514,000 and 713,000 respectively (Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 95).
[655]24 Geo. III, c. 6;Jo. H. C., 1795-96, p. 588.
[655]24 Geo. III, c. 6;Jo. H. C., 1795-96, p. 588.
[656]35 Geo. III, c. 53. After 1786 the number of franked letters had gradually increased until checked by this act. In 1795 the number of franked letters delivered in London was 1,045,000, the number sent from London 1,195,000. In 1796, the inward and outward free letters amounted to 737,000 and 787,000 respectively. In 1797 the numbers were 696,000 and 721,000. These restricting acts of 1784 and 1795 had a more important effect than Joyce leads us to suppose (Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 95).
[656]35 Geo. III, c. 53. After 1786 the number of franked letters had gradually increased until checked by this act. In 1795 the number of franked letters delivered in London was 1,045,000, the number sent from London 1,195,000. In 1796, the inward and outward free letters amounted to 737,000 and 787,000 respectively. In 1797 the numbers were 696,000 and 721,000. These restricting acts of 1784 and 1795 had a more important effect than Joyce leads us to suppose (Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 95).
[657]Those officials in the General Post Office who had no franking privilege were reimbursed the amount of postage paid by them on inland single letters (Rep. Commrs., 1837, xxxiv, 8th rep., app., no. 2).
[657]Those officials in the General Post Office who had no franking privilege were reimbursed the amount of postage paid by them on inland single letters (Rep. Commrs., 1837, xxxiv, 8th rep., app., no. 2).
[658]42 Geo. III, c. 63.
[658]42 Geo. III, c. 63.
[659]43 Geo. III, c. 28.
[659]43 Geo. III, c. 28.
[660]Parl. Deb., 1st ser., iii, col. 570. The following are a few of the statutes enacted which extended franking: 46 Geo. III, c. 61; 50 Geo. III, c. 65, sec. 19; c. 66; 51 Geo. III, c. 16, sec. 17; 52 Geo. III, c. 132, sec. 16; c. 146, sec. 11; 53 Geo. III, c. 13; 54 Geo. III, c. 169; 55 Geo. III, c. 1, sec. 10; c. 60, secs. 41-42; 56 Geo. III, c. 98, sec. 24.
[660]Parl. Deb., 1st ser., iii, col. 570. The following are a few of the statutes enacted which extended franking: 46 Geo. III, c. 61; 50 Geo. III, c. 65, sec. 19; c. 66; 51 Geo. III, c. 16, sec. 17; 52 Geo. III, c. 132, sec. 16; c. 146, sec. 11; 53 Geo. III, c. 13; 54 Geo. III, c. 169; 55 Geo. III, c. 1, sec. 10; c. 60, secs. 41-42; 56 Geo. III, c. 98, sec. 24.
[661]6 Geo. IV, c. 68, sec. 10.
[661]6 Geo. IV, c. 68, sec. 10.
[662]6 Geo. IV, c. 68; LondonTimes, 1825, June 11, p. 3; July 29, p. 2.
[662]6 Geo. IV, c. 68; LondonTimes, 1825, June 11, p. 3; July 29, p. 2.
[663]7 and 8 Geo. IV, c. 21.
[663]7 and 8 Geo. IV, c. 21.
[664]5 and 6 Wm. IV, c. 25. Before the passage of this act newspapers passed free by the packets and posts to and from Hamburg, Bremen, and Cuxhaven (LondonTimes, 1834, Oct. 30, p. 2).
[664]5 and 6 Wm. IV, c. 25. Before the passage of this act newspapers passed free by the packets and posts to and from Hamburg, Bremen, and Cuxhaven (LondonTimes, 1834, Oct. 30, p. 2).
[665]6 and 7 Wm. IV, c. 25.
[665]6 and 7 Wm. IV, c. 25.
[666]In Great Britain re-issuable notes of country banks paid in London were conveyed by the post to the issuing bank at one quarter the regular rates for letters, but parcels of notes had to exceed six ounces in weight and contain no other matter (5 Geo. IV, c. 20).
[666]In Great Britain re-issuable notes of country banks paid in London were conveyed by the post to the issuing bank at one quarter the regular rates for letters, but parcels of notes had to exceed six ounces in weight and contain no other matter (5 Geo. IV, c. 20).
[667]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.
[667]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34.
[668]7 Wm. IV. and 1 Vict., c. 36.
[668]7 Wm. IV. and 1 Vict., c. 36.
[669]5 and 6 Wm. IV, c. 25.
[669]5 and 6 Wm. IV, c. 25.
[670]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34. Maximum increased to thirty ounces by 7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 25.
[670]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 34. Maximum increased to thirty ounces by 7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 25.
[671]53 Geo. III, c. 89; 7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 32.
[671]53 Geo. III, c. 89; 7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 32.
[672]Wallace, the postal reformer, declared that other members had been in the habit of receiving more than fifteen free letters in a day and that, too, with Freeling's consent (Parl. Deb., 3d series, xxiv, col. 1001).
[672]Wallace, the postal reformer, declared that other members had been in the habit of receiving more than fifteen free letters in a day and that, too, with Freeling's consent (Parl. Deb., 3d series, xxiv, col. 1001).
[673]7 Wm. IV. and 1 Vict., c. 35.
[673]7 Wm. IV. and 1 Vict., c. 35.
[674]Rep. Com., 1837-38, xx, 2d rep., app., p. 109.
[674]Rep. Com., 1837-38, xx, 2d rep., app., p. 109.
[675]Ibid., xx, 3d rep., p. 62.
[675]Ibid., xx, 3d rep., p. 62.
[676]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96. Recent attempts by certain members of Parliament to revive the franking privilege have fortunately been unsuccessful (Parl. Deb., 4th ser., lxxxi, col. 1407; civ, col. 360).
[676]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96. Recent attempts by certain members of Parliament to revive the franking privilege have fortunately been unsuccessful (Parl. Deb., 4th ser., lxxxi, col. 1407; civ, col. 360).
[677]But in 1861 the registration fee was reduced from 6d.to 4d.and a double fee charged for compulsory registration (Rep. P. G., 1862, pp. 9-10).
[677]But in 1861 the registration fee was reduced from 6d.to 4d.and a double fee charged for compulsory registration (Rep. P. G., 1862, pp. 9-10).
[678]Rep. P. G., 1866, p. 12.
[678]Rep. P. G., 1866, p. 12.
[679]Ibid., 1870, pp. 3-5; 1897, p. 5; 1896, p. 2; 1898, pp. 1-2.
[679]Ibid., 1870, pp. 3-5; 1897, p. 5; 1896, p. 2; 1898, pp. 1-2.
[680]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96; 10 and 11 Vict., c. 85; 23 and 24 Vict., c. 65.
[680]3 and 4 Vict., c. 96; 10 and 11 Vict., c. 85; 23 and 24 Vict., c. 65.
[681]Rep. P. G., 1892, p. 8; 1894, p.2; 1895, p. 4; 1901, p. 4.
[681]Rep. P. G., 1892, p. 8; 1894, p.2; 1895, p. 4; 1901, p. 4.
[682]Rep.P. G., 1862, pp. 9-10; 1879, p. 13; 1897, p. 5.
[682]Rep.P. G., 1862, pp. 9-10; 1879, p. 13; 1897, p. 5.
[683]Ibid., 1896, p. 3; 1882, p. 3; 1906, p. 1.
[683]Ibid., 1896, p. 3; 1882, p. 3; 1906, p. 1.
[684]Ibid., 1896, p. 2; 1889, p. 2; 1897, p. 5; 1895, p. 18.
[684]Ibid., 1896, p. 2; 1889, p. 2; 1897, p. 5; 1895, p. 18.
[685]Ibid., 1903, p. 5.
[685]Ibid., 1903, p. 5.
[686]Rep. P. G., 1885, p. 14; 1898, pp. 1-2.
[686]Rep. P. G., 1885, p. 14; 1898, pp. 1-2.
[687]Even at this time (1850) the shilling rate was the rule.
[687]Even at this time (1850) the shilling rate was the rule.
[688]Acc. & P., 1852-53, xcv., 204, pp. 2-3;Rep. P. G., 1855, pp. 36-37; 1858, p. 20;Rep. Com., 1868-69, vi, p. iv;Rep. P. G., 1871, app., p. 29; 1870, pp. 6-7.
[688]Acc. & P., 1852-53, xcv., 204, pp. 2-3;Rep. P. G., 1855, pp. 36-37; 1858, p. 20;Rep. Com., 1868-69, vi, p. iv;Rep. P. G., 1871, app., p. 29; 1870, pp. 6-7.
[689]Ibid., 1891, p. 6; app., p. 39.
[689]Ibid., 1891, p. 6; app., p. 39.
[690]Ibid., 1899, p. 7; 1906, p. 1.
[690]Ibid., 1899, p. 7; 1906, p. 1.
[691]Rep. P. G., 1907, pp. 4-5.
[691]Rep. P. G., 1907, pp. 4-5.
[692]Ibid., 1864, p. 21; 1859, pp. 19-20.
[692]Ibid., 1864, p. 21; 1859, pp. 19-20.
[693]Ibid., 1875, p. 13.
[693]Ibid., 1875, p. 13.
[694]Ibid., 1892, p. 8; 1906, pp. 1-2.
[694]Ibid., 1892, p. 8; 1906, pp. 1-2.
[695]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 26-32; 1897, pp. 10-11; 1904, pp. 11-12; 1906, p. 1.
[695]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 26-32; 1897, pp. 10-11; 1904, pp. 11-12; 1906, p. 1.
[696]Ibid., 1897, pp. 10-11.
[696]Ibid., 1897, pp. 10-11.
[697]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 30-32.
[697]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 30-32.
[698]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 28-30; 1897, pp. 10-11; 1904, p. 11; 1906, p. 1.
[698]Rep. P. G., 1896, pp. 28-30; 1897, pp. 10-11; 1904, p. 11; 1906, p. 1.
[699]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 48 (25).
[699]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 48 (25).
[700]L. & P. Hen. VIII, ii, pp. 1444-51-53-57-58-60-62-63-66-72;A. P. C., 1547-50, pp. 111, 278, 307, 319, 413; 1552-54, pp. 74, 137, 402.
[700]L. & P. Hen. VIII, ii, pp. 1444-51-53-57-58-60-62-63-66-72;A. P. C., 1547-50, pp. 111, 278, 307, 319, 413; 1552-54, pp. 74, 137, 402.
[701]Cal. S. P. D., 1623-25, pp. 55, 285; 1628-29, p. 184; 1629-31, pp. 379, 440.
[701]Cal. S. P. D., 1623-25, pp. 55, 285; 1628-29, p. 184; 1629-31, pp. 379, 440.
[702]The proceeds from de Quester's rates, which went into effect from this year, may possibly have gone to the Post Office. After Witherings' rates were announced in 1635, they certainly did.
[702]The proceeds from de Quester's rates, which went into effect from this year, may possibly have gone to the Post Office. After Witherings' rates were announced in 1635, they certainly did.
[703]Cal. S. P. D., 1603-10, p. 9.
[703]Cal. S. P. D., 1603-10, p. 9.
[704]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 43 (21).
[704]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 43 (21).
[705]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 12, app., pt. 4, p. 472.
[705]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 12, app., pt. 4, p. 472.
[706]Cal. T. P., 1697-1702, p. 289.
[706]Cal. T. P., 1697-1702, p. 289.
[707]Cal. S. P. D., 1641-43, p. 213.
[707]Cal. S. P. D., 1641-43, p. 213.
[708]Jo. H. C., 1648-51, p. 385.
[708]Jo. H. C., 1648-51, p. 385.
[709]Cal. S. P. D., 1653-54, p. 365.
[709]Cal. S. P. D., 1653-54, p. 365.
[710]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 15, app., pt. 1, p. 97.
[710]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 15, app., pt. 1, p. 97.
[711]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 76 (53).
[711]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 76 (53).
[712]Cal. S. P. D., 1661-62, pp. 122, 245.
[712]Cal. S. P. D., 1661-62, pp. 122, 245.
[713]15 Chas. II, c. 14.
[713]15 Chas. II, c. 14.
[714]Cal. S. P. D., 1663-64, p. 598.
[714]Cal. S. P. D., 1663-64, p. 598.
[715]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 81.
[715]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 81.
[716]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 362.
[716]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 362.
[717]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 406.
[717]Hist. MSS. Com.,Rep., 13, app., pt. 5, p. 406.
[718]Hist. MSS. Com.,House of Lords, i, pp. 84-87.
[718]Hist. MSS. Com.,House of Lords, i, pp. 84-87.
[719]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 93 (66).
[719]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, app., p. 93 (66).
[720]Cal. T. P., 1708-14, p. 20.
[720]Cal. T. P., 1708-14, p. 20.
[721]For the gross product, net product, and expenses for each year, see Appendix, pp. 243, 244, 245, Tables I, II.
[721]For the gross product, net product, and expenses for each year, see Appendix, pp. 243, 244, 245, Tables I, II.
[722]Rates were increased in 1784.
[722]Rates were increased in 1784.
[723]Hist. MSS. Com.,Dropmore, i, p. 179.
[723]Hist. MSS. Com.,Dropmore, i, p. 179.
[724]Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 93.
[724]Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 93.
[725]Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 91.
[725]Parl. Papers, 1812-13,Rep. Com., ii, 222, p. 91.
[726]See Appendix, p. 246, TableIII; p. 247, Table IV.
[726]See Appendix, p. 246, TableIII; p. 247, Table IV.
[727]See Appendix, p. 248, TableV.
[727]See Appendix, p. 248, TableV.
[728]Ireland had paid for mail coach tolls from the first and this partly explains the relatively high expenditure.
[728]Ireland had paid for mail coach tolls from the first and this partly explains the relatively high expenditure.
[729]See Appendix, p. 248, TableV.
[729]See Appendix, p. 248, TableV.
[730]See Appendix, pp. 249, 250, 251, TableVI; p. 252, TableVII.
[730]See Appendix, pp. 249, 250, 251, TableVI; p. 252, TableVII.
[731]G. Roberts,Social History of the Southern Counties of England, 1856, p. 508; Joyce, p. 4.
[731]G. Roberts,Social History of the Southern Counties of England, 1856, p. 508; Joyce, p. 4.
[732]Cal. S. P. D., 1581-90, p. 131.
[732]Cal. S. P. D., 1581-90, p. 131.
[733]Cal. S. P. D., 1581-90, p. 228; 1598-1601, p. 427;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, p. 4.
[733]Cal. S. P. D., 1581-90, p. 228; 1598-1601, p. 427;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, p. 4.
[734]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, p. 4; app., p. 36 (14).
[734]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, p. 4; app., p. 36 (14).
[735]By "Posts for the Queen's immediate service" was probably meant the special messengers attached to the Court.
[735]By "Posts for the Queen's immediate service" was probably meant the special messengers attached to the Court.
[736]Cal. S. P. D., 1547-65, pp. 215-77;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 42 (20).
[736]Cal. S. P. D., 1547-65, pp. 215-77;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 42 (20).
[737]Letters carried by a friend or special messenger or a common carrier were excepted.
[737]Letters carried by a friend or special messenger or a common carrier were excepted.
[738]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 42 (20).
[738]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 42 (20).
[739]Ibid., 1591-94, p. 401.
[739]Ibid., 1591-94, p. 401.
[740]Ibid., 1627-28, pp. 511-22.
[740]Ibid., 1627-28, pp. 511-22.
[741]The House had already shown its interest in postal affairs by summoning postmasters before the Committee of Grievances in 1624 (Jo. H. C., 1547-1628, pp. 689-774).
[741]The House had already shown its interest in postal affairs by summoning postmasters before the Committee of Grievances in 1624 (Jo. H. C., 1547-1628, pp. 689-774).
[742]Cal. S. P. D., 1628-29, p. 177.
[742]Cal. S. P. D., 1628-29, p. 177.
[743]Ibid., 1625-49, p. 367; 1629-31, p. 200.
[743]Ibid., 1625-49, p. 367; 1629-31, p. 200.
[744]Cal. S. P. D., 1633-34, p. 39.
[744]Cal. S. P. D., 1633-34, p. 39.
[745]Ibid., 1637-38, pp. 22, 171, 177, 183.
[745]Ibid., 1637-38, pp. 22, 171, 177, 183.
[746]Ibid., 1637-38, p. 193;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 58 (37).
[746]Ibid., 1637-38, p. 193;Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 58 (37).
[747]Jo. H. C., 1640-42, p. 722.
[747]Jo. H. C., 1640-42, p. 722.
[748]These were the same judges who had decided in favour of Stanhope's patent in Stanhopev.Witherings.
[748]These were the same judges who had decided in favour of Stanhope's patent in Stanhopev.Witherings.
[749]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 67 (42).
[749]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 67 (42).
[750]Chas. Knight,London, 1842, iii, p. 276; R. R. Sharpe,London and the Kingdom, 1894, pp. 322-23.
[750]Chas. Knight,London, 1842, iii, p. 276; R. R. Sharpe,London and the Kingdom, 1894, pp. 322-23.
[751]Joyce, p. 29.
[751]Joyce, p. 29.
[752]Cal. S. P. D., 1653-54, pp. 22-24, 372. See p. 33, note.
[752]Cal. S. P. D., 1653-54, pp. 22-24, 372. See p. 33, note.
[753]Cal. S. P. D., 1652-53, p. 456.
[753]Cal. S. P. D., 1652-53, p. 456.
[754]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 372.
[754]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 372.
[755]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 177.
[755]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 177.
[756]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 25.
[756]Ibid., 1653-54, p. 25.
[757]Ibid., 1652-53, pp. 109-110.
[757]Ibid., 1652-53, pp. 109-110.
[758]Scobell,Collect., pt. ii, pp. 511-13.
[758]Scobell,Collect., pt. ii, pp. 511-13.
[759]12 Ch. II, c. 35.
[759]12 Ch. II, c. 35.
[760]Cal. S. P. D., 1660-61, p. 475.
[760]Cal. S. P. D., 1660-61, p. 475.
[761]In 1659 a book was published by John Hill, entitledA Penny Post—A vindication of the Liberty of every Englishman in carrying merchants' and other men's letters against any restraints of farmers of such employments(Notes and Queries, 6th ser., xi, p. 37).
[761]In 1659 a book was published by John Hill, entitledA Penny Post—A vindication of the Liberty of every Englishman in carrying merchants' and other men's letters against any restraints of farmers of such employments(Notes and Queries, 6th ser., xi, p. 37).
[762]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 82 (57).
[762]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 82 (57).
[763]Cal. S. P. D., 1663-64, pp. 8, 18.
[763]Cal. S. P. D., 1663-64, pp. 8, 18.
[764]Ibid., 1663-64, p. 145.
[764]Ibid., 1663-64, p. 145.
[765]Ibid., 1663-64, p. 402.
[765]Ibid., 1663-64, p. 402.
[766]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 88 (61).
[766]Rep. Com., 1844, xiv, 601, app., p. 88 (61).
[767]Cal. S. P. D., 1668-69, p. 285.
[767]Cal. S. P. D., 1668-69, p. 285.
[768]Cal. S. P. D., 1668-69, p. 376.
[768]Cal. S. P. D., 1668-69, p. 376.
[769]Ibid., 1672-73, p. 64.
[769]Ibid., 1672-73, p. 64.
[770]Knight,London, 1842, iii, p. 282; Joyce, pp. 121-23.
[770]Knight,London, 1842, iii, p. 282; Joyce, pp. 121-23.
[771]Joyce, p. 329.
[771]Joyce, p. 329.
[772]9 Anne, c. 10; 42 Geo. III, c. 81; 46 Geo. III, c. 92; 53 Geo. III, c. 58; 5 Geo. IV, c. 20.
[772]9 Anne, c. 10; 42 Geo. III, c. 81; 46 Geo. III, c. 92; 53 Geo. III, c. 58; 5 Geo. IV, c. 20.
[773]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 33.
[773]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 33.
[774]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 36.
[774]7 Wm. IV and 1 Vict., c. 36.
[775]Acc. & P., 1834, xlix, 19, pp. 2-7.
[775]Acc. & P., 1834, xlix, 19, pp. 2-7.