Genesis - part 3

Articles In This Section:

· Genesis - part 1

· THE FIRST TEN YEARS

· ORIGIN OF USE OF POSTAGE STAMPS IN THE UNITED STATES

Up to this point the postal systems of the ancients and even of the "moderns" had left no visible trace of their existence except through accounts of historians. There are exactly thirteen examples of Docwra's post known to stamp collectors. Also, there are desultory evidences of some of the previous posts like clay tablets of Sargon's time preserved in the museums. But it was not until the establishment of a truly public system of posts that we have collectible evidence in the form of letters. More particularly, it was not until the introduction of postage stamps that this evidence became of general interest throughout the civilized world.

Stamps did not usher in our present day postal systems. They did, as we shall presently see, inaugurate an idea that was to revolutionize all previous ideas for the carrying of mail.

However, to gain a true picture of the great importance postage stamps have played in developing contemporary civilization, we must inspect the conditions that existed just prior to their advent.

England's postal system was more or less well established along designated postal roads throughout the kingdom. Overseas mail was carried at the sufferance of ship owners and masters. In our own country Governor Lovelace of New York had established regular posts between Albany and New York City (the old Albany Post Road, now U. S. Route 9), and between New York and Boston (the old Boston Post Road, now U. S. Route 1). Such carriers as were employed were abjured not to drink or use vile language. Later Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster for the Colonies and had in operation a considerable postal system.