propounded unto us this day, wee shall surely perishe out of the good land whither wee passe over this vast sea to possesse it;
Therefore lett us choose life
that wee, and our seede
may liue, by obeyeing His
voyce and cleaveing to Him,
for Hee is our life and
our prosperity.
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
[It is well known, that little has been systematically published on the past history of the Post Office in our country.—Such a subject might be individually and interestingly handled from its small beginnings to its present expanded and important relations.—To aid in preserving materials for the accomplishment of this subject,—the publishing Committee have prepared the ensuing article.—Most of the extracts and documents, which they here quote, are derived from the Massachusetts Archives.]
I.
Under General Court Records. 5th, 9 mo. 1639.
"For preventing the miscarriage of letters,—It is ordered that notice bee given, the Richard Fairbanks his house in Boston is the place appointed for all letters, which are brought from beyond the seas, or are to be sent thither;—are to bee brought unto him and he is to take care, that they bee delivered, or sent according to their directions, and hee is alowed for every such letter 1d. and must answer all miscarriages through his owne neglect in this kind; provided that no man shall bee compelled to bring his letters thither except hee please."
