neither docks nor quays to assist these operations. The harbour is perfectly safe, except during hurricanes, which may be expected from August to November.

Hayti is, next to Cuba, the largest of the West India islands. It was discovered by Columbus, on the 5th of December, 1492. Its greatest length is estimated at about 160 leagues, and its greatest breadth at about 40. Its superfices is estimated at about 2,450 square leagues. Three principal chains of mountains (from which emanate smaller mountain arms) run from the central group of Cibao. The whole of these are described as fertile and susceptible of cultivation, even to their summits; affording great variety of climate, which, contrary to what is the fact in the plains, is remarkably healthy. The soil of the plains is, in general, a very rich vegetable mould, exceedingly fertile, and well watered. There are several large rivers, and an immense number of smaller streams, some tributary and others independent. The ports are numerous and good. The harbour of Cape St. Nicholas, the fortifications of which are now in ruins, is one of the finest in the West Indies; being inferior only to the Havannah. Timber of the finest description is most abundant; and mines of gold, silver, copper, tin, iron, and rock salt, besides other natural productions, are said not to be wanting. The French are, therefore, fully justified in designating this magnificent island, La Reine des Antilles. The principal towns, besides Port-au-Prince, are Cap Haïtien, formerly Cap François, on the north coast, St. Domingo on the south, Les Cayes, and Jacmel.

Previously to the revolt of the blacks, Hayti was divided in unequal portions between the French and Spaniards; the former possessing the west, and the latter the eastern and larger portion of the island. The revolution began in 1789; and terminated, after the most dreadful massacres, and the destruction of a vast deal of property, in the total abolition of slavery, and the establishment of an independent black republic. The Spanish part of the island and the French were finally consolidated in 1822.

Population. In 1789, the French part of Hayti was by far the most valuable and flourishing colony in the West Indies. The population was estimated at 524,000; of which 31,000 were white, 27,500 people of colour, and 465,500 slaves. The Spanish part of the island was much less densely peopled; the number in 1785 being estimated at 152,640; of which 122,640 were free people of all colours, mostly mulattoes, and the rest slaves. The population of the entire island, in 1827, was estimated by M. Humboldt at 820,000 of whom 30,000 were whites; but there are good grounds for thinking that this estimate is exaggerated. Imports.-The principal articles of import are provisions; such as flour, rice, mess and cargo beef, fish, &c. and timber, from the United States; cotton goods of all sorts, Irish and Scotch linens, earthenware, cutlery, ammunition, &c. from England; wines, satins, liqueurs, jewellery, toys, haberdashery, &c. from France; and linens, canvass, gin, &c. from Holland and Germany.

Exports.-There has been an extraordinary decline in the quantity and value of the articles exported from Hayti since 1789. Sugar, for example, has fallen off from 141,000,000 lbs. to almost nothing; coffee from about 77,000,000 lbs. to a little more than 32,000,000 lbs. in 1826; cotton from 7,000,000 lbs. to 620,000 lbs. in do.; indigo, from 758,000 lbs. to nothing, &c.! Mahogany is almost the only article, the exports of which have rapidly increased of late years. The following Table illustrates what has now been stated A General Table of Exports from Hayti, during the Years 1789, 1801, and from 1818 to 1826, both

Gum Guaiacum, in 1822, 7,338 lbs.-1823, 13,056 lbs.-1824, 68,692 lbs.

The destruction caused by the deplorable excesses which accompanied the revolution explains a part of this extraordinary falling off: but the greater part is to be accounted for by the change in the condition of the inhabitants. It could not reasonably be expected that the blacks were to make the same efforts in a state of independence they made when goaded on by the lash to exertions almost beyond their powers. It may, however, be fairly anticipated that they will become more industrious, according as the population becomes denser, and as they become more civilised, and acquire a taste for conveniences and luxuries. Hitherto industry in Hayti cannot be said to be free. It is enforced and regulated by the Code Rural, which is, in fact, a modification of the old French regulations as to slavery embodied in the Code Noir. "The provisions are as despotic as those of any slave system that can be conceived. The labourer may almost be considered adscriptus glebæ; he is deemed a vagabond, and liable to punishment, if he venture to move from his dwelling or farm without notice; he is prohibited from keeping a shop; and no person can build a house in the coun VOL. IL-2 E

try unconnected with a farm. The code determines the mode of managing landed property; of forming contracts for cultivation between proprietor and farmer-farmer and labourer; of regulating grazing establishments, the rural police, the inspection of cultivation and cultivators; of repressing vagrancy; and of the repair and maintenance of the public roads, Lastly, it affixes the penalty of fine in some cases, and in others of indefinite imprisonment. at the option of the judge of the peace.”—(Mr. Consul Mackenzie's Despatch; Parl. Paper, No. 18. Sess. 1829.)

Another serious obstacle to industry seems to be the enormous weight of the taxes imposed to defray the French indemnity. These are greatly beyond the means of the Haytians; so that the stipulated payments are in arrear, and will have to be abandoned.

Besides the articles specified in the above Table, hides, tortoise-shell, wax, ginger, and bullocks' horns are exported in considerable quantities. Hides are principally exported from the eastern, or, what was, the Spanish part of the island. They constitute a valuable article. In despite, however, of these unfavourable circumstances, it appears abundantly certain that a considerable increase has taken place within these few years in the exports of coffee, cotton, mahogany, tobacco, and some other articles. But it is very difficult to arrive at the exact truth with respect either to this or any other matter connected with Hayti. During the discussions on the slave trade, both parties referred to it in support of their peculiar views; and the most contradictory statements were put forth as to the numbers and condition of the people, the extent of trade, &c. A good deal of smuggling is also carried on; so that even the official statements are not to be depended on. The subjoined account of the exports of 1832 is taken from the Anti-Slavery Record of the 6th of June, 1833. We do not pretend to guarantee its authenticity; but we have been assured by competent judges that it does not involve any material error :—

The duties on imports amount, at an average, to about 900,000 dollars a year. The total receipts of the treasury may be estimated at about 2,500,000 dollars, which is, however, exceeded by the expenditure.

The Americans, British, French, and Germans carry on almost the whole trade of Hayti. The imports from England are very decidedly larger than those from any other country; but the exports to America exceed those destined for us. As the articles carried to Hayti from the United States are, for the most part, bulky, consisting of flour, salt fish, and provisions of all sorts, timber, &c., the number of American vessels engaged in the trade very materially exceeds those trading under any other flag. Arrivals.-The arrivals of shipping at Port-au-Prince and Cap Haïtien, in 1829, 1830, and 1831, have been as under :

Port Charges.-The charges on a native and foreign ship of 300 | consists of tin or other alloy; so that the value of the dollar does not tons are the same, and as follows:

Dollars.
300

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

16 50

20

2

434 50

Custom-house Regulations.-On arrival, the master of the vessel proceeds to the Custom-house with the interpreter, where he makes his declaration whether he discharges his cargo in the port. If he discharge, his invoices are translated, and the goods verified in the presence of the consignee, who is allowed to land and store them. On clearing outwards, the merchant pays the duties on the cargoes both ways, and exhibits a receipt at the office of the commissaire de guerre, commandante de place, and commandante de port, who sign a certificate that the vessel may depart.

Warehousing.-The warehousing and bonding system is established by law, but there are at present no buildings appropriated to the reception of bonded goods. Until very recently, goods were permitted to be bonded under this law in the merchants' stores; a late order has, however, suspended that indulgence. The rate is 1 per cent. per year, and no allowance made for waste or loss. Goods exported in the same vessel they arrive in, pay, if landed, 1-2 per cent. and wharf

age fees.

Money.-The weight of the dollar is 216 grains; the 1-2 and 1-4 dollar being in proportion. But nearly 1-2 the weight of the coin

exceed 1s. 6d. sterling.

Weights in Hayti are divided as in avoirdupois and apothecaries' weight; but they are about 8 per cent. heavier than British weights. Measures,-Same as those used in France.

Regulations as to Trade-It is enacted, that all persons exercising any trade or profession, excepting that of cultivating the soil, must be provided with a patent or licence to carry on such trade or profession; that all strangers admitted as merchants into the republic must, in the first place, procure the permission of the president to take out a patent, which, when obtained, orly authorise them, under heavy penalties, to carry on a wholesale business, not with each other, but with the Haytians, in the open ports, which are Port-au-Prince, Go naïves, Cap Haitien, Port-à Plate, Santo Domingo, Jacmel, Les Cayes, and Jérémie. The minimum quantities of goods that may be sold are fixed by the same law. The Haytian consignee may be also a retailer, on taking out a corresponding patent.

A charge of 2,000 dollars is made for each patent to a foreigner trading to Port-au-Prince: 1,800 for Les Cayes, Cap Haltien, and Jacmel; and 1,600 for each of the remaining ports.

Duties. The duties on all imported commodities consigned to foreign merchants are 171-2 per cent on an established tariff, whether they be brought in native or foreign ships, with the excep tion of those from the United States, which pay an additional 10 per cent. on the amount of the duties. Goods consigned to native merchanis pay only 16 1-2 per cent

The following articles are duty free in all bottoms:-Shot of all sizes, grenades, howitzers, bomb-shells, and other projectiles of artil lery; iron and bronze cannon, mortars, muskets and bayonets, car bines, pistols, and cavalry sabres, briquets, or short swords for infan try; machines and instruments for simplifying and facilitating the cultivation of the soil, and the preparation of its products: horses and cattle, mules, asses, gold and silver coin; classical and elementary works, sewed in boards, or bound in parchment, for the instruction

of youth.

The following is a list of articles absolutely prohibited, without reference to their place of growth:-Mahogany, logwood, lignum

*This is the present consul's statement. Mr. Consul Mackenzie says, that as Haytian vessels pay for a licence, they are not subject to the tonnage duty. Perhaps, however, the regulation in this respect has been changed since his "Notes" were published.

vitæ, fustic, coffee, cotton wool, cacoa, raw and clayed sugar, rum, tafia, syrup, molasses; cans, whips, and umbrellas, containing swords, stilettoes, or other arms; books, and other works, opposed to good morals.

Besides the export, there is also territorial duty levied equally on the produce of the soil, whether exported in national or foreign ships. The export of the following articles is strictly prohibited:-Gold and silver coin, side and fire arms, munitions, and other articles of war; old or new iron and copper, horses, brood mares, mules, asses, and wood for ship building.

The coasting trade is entirely confired to Haytian citizens.

The commerce of Port au-Prince is carried on by various classes of persons. The imports from Europe and America are principally consigned to European and North American cominission houses, besides a few Haylan establishments. The capital is one of the ports to which foreign merchants are confined by the law of patents; but they are, or at least were during the time of my residence, re-tricte! by heavy penalties to wholesale business. Of course they cannot deal with the consumers, but with the native retailers, who are chiefly women, styled "marchandes;" these employ hucksters, also wonen, who traverse the country, attend the markets, and give an account of their transactions to their employers, either every evening, once a week, or once a month, according to their character for integrity. As the payments of the importer are generally in money, and there is only one important article of export-coffee-the purchases for returns can only be made after the crops have been gathered; and these are effected by brokers, who often bargain with a class of natives called coffee speculators, from their dealing for the chance of the inarket with the cultivators, and either sell to the best advantage, or fulfil contracts previously entered into.

Among the respectable marchandes there is said to be much good faith; but with the great body of he customers, I believe, the iner chan's are obiiged to use the utmost circumspection.

All the ordinary tradesmen, such as tailors and shoemakers, and even a water proof hat manufacturer. are to be found at Port-auPrince. And I confess I was struck with the respectable appearance of several booksellers' shops, having looked in vain for such things both in Barbadoes and Antigua. The books are generally elementary, French publications, and romances. The works of Voltaire, Rousseau, and others of the same class, abound.

There are also two printing presses; one at which the government Gazette Le Télégraphe is printed, and the other from which the Feuille de Commerce issues. The former rarely contains more than the documents issued by the government, the latter occasionally some spirited papers, and is conducted by M. Courteis, who was for a short time director of the post office.

The apothecaries' shops are numerous, as they ought to be in such a horrible climate, and are well supplied with all the contents of the French Pharmacopizia. There are also some tuuneries, in which the bark of the mangrove is used as the tanning material. As far as I could ascertain, the great bulk of the border people were either of that class of Europeans called in the French tinie petits blancs," or people of colour. The labourers in town and country are generally black.

With the exception already referred to, we have derived these details with respect to Hayti partly from the communication to government, and the publishe I Notes of Charles Mackenzie. Esc., late consul in that island; and partly from Mr. Consul Courtenay's Answers to the Circular Queries.

PORTERS AND PORTERAGE. Porters are persons employed to carry messages or parcels, &c.

Porters (Tackle House), are regulated by the city of London. They have the privilege of performing the labour of unshipping, landing. carrying, and housing the gods of the South Sea Company, the East India Company, and all other goods, except from the East country, 3. d. the produce of the British plantations and Ireland, and goods coast0 3 wise. They give bond for 5001. to make restitution in case of loss or damage, and are limited to rates fixed by the corporation.

04
06

0 8

0 10

And so in like manner the additional sum of 3d. for every further distance not exceeding 1-2 a mile.

Tickets to be made out at the inns, and given to the porters, who are to deliver them with the parcels; and any innkeeper not making out such tickets to forfeit not exceeding 40s. nor less than 5s.; porters not delivering, or defacing the same, to forfeit 40s., and if they make any overcharge they are to forfeit 20s. Parcels brought by coaches to be delivered within six hours, under a penalty not exceeding 20s nor less than 10s. Parcels brought by wagons to be delivered within twentyfour hours, under a like penalty. Farcels directed to be left till called for, to be delivered to those to whom the same may be directed, on payment of the carriage, and 2d. for warehouse room, under like penalty. If parcels be not sent for till the expiration of a week, 1d. more for warehouse rent may be charged. Parcels not directed, to be left till called for, to be delivered on demand, under the above penalty. Misbehaviour of porters may be punished by a fine not exceeding 20s. nor less than 5s. The parters of London have the exclu sive privilege of taking up and carrying goods within the city, and the employment of any one else may be punished by fine.

Porters (Ticket), are persons appointed by the city of London, and have granted to them the exclusive privilege of unshipping, loading and housing pi ch, tar, soap, ashes, wainscot, fir, poles, masts, deals, oars, chests, tables, flax and hemp, brought to London from the East country; also, iron, cordage, and timber, and all goods of the produce of Ireland and the British plantations, and all goods coastwise, except lead. They are freemen of the city, give security in 100% for fidelity, and have their names and numbers engraved on a metal badge. They are under the tackle porters; who may, in performing the business of the port, employ o'her labourers, if ticket porters be not at haud. -(Montefiore's Dictionary.)

Any person may bring goods into the city of London; but he is liable to a fine if he either take up, or carry, any within the city. It is astonishing that such absurd regulations should be still kept up: why should not the merchan's of London, as well as those of Manchester, be allowed to employ any one they please in the conveyance of goods? Does any one doubt that competition would, in this, as in every thing else, be productive of the greatest advantage? The rezu lations in question merely tend to keep up oppressive privileges, injurious to the public interests, and disadvantageous even to those in whose favour they are enacted.

PORT LOUIS, on NORTHWEST PORT, the capital of the Mauritius, in lat. 20° 9′ 56" S., lon. 57° 28′ 41′′ E. It is situated at the bottom of a triangular bay, the entrance to which is rather difficult. Every vessel approaching the harbour must hoist her flag and fire 2 guns; if in the night, a light must be shown; when a pilot comes on board, and steers the ship to the entrance of the port. It is a very convenient port for careening and repairing; but provisions of all sorts are dear. In the hurricane months, the anchorage in Port Louis is not good; and it can then only accommodate a very few vessels. The houses are low, and are principally built of wood. The town and harbour are pretty strongly fortified. Almost all the foreign trade of the island is carried on here.

The Mauritius was so called by the Dutch in honour of Prince Maurice; but it was first settled by the French in 1720; and is indebted for most part of its prosperity to the skilful management of its governor, the famous M. de la Bourdonnais. It was taken by the English in 1810; and was definitively ceded to us in 1814.

Exports and Imports, &c.—Mauritius is pretty fertile, a considerable part of the surface being, however, occupied by mountains. Its shape is circular, being about 150 miles in circumference. The climate is healthy, but is very subject to hurricanes. The principal product of the island is sugar, which is now cultivated to the almost total neglect of every thing else; but it also produces excellent coffee, indigo, and cotton. The blackwood or ebony of the Mauritius is very abundant, and of a superior quality. Very little corn or grain of any kind is raised in the island; most articles of provision being imported. Previously to 1825, the sugar and other articles brought to Great Britain from the Mauritius were charged with the same duties as the like articles from India: but in the above-mentioned year this dis tinction was done away, and it was enacted (6 Geo. 4. c. 111. § 44.), that all goods of the growth, produce, or manufacture of the Mauritius, should, upon importation into any port of the United Kingdom, be subject to the same duties and regulations as the like goods being of the growth, produce, or manufacture of the British colonies in the West Indies; and that the trade with the Mauritius should be placed as nearly as possible on the same footing as that of the West India islands.

This was a great boon to the Mauritius, and the exports of sugar from it, have since rapidly increased. According to Mr. Milburn (Oriental Commerce, vol. ii. p. 568.), they amounted, in 1812, to about 5,000,000 lbs. In 1818, they amounted to about 8,000,000 lbs. ; and in 1824, to 23,334,553 lbs. They have since been as under :

The cultivation of sugar being found more profitable than that of coffee, the exports of the latter, though of excellent quality, have declined so far, that in 1832 we only obtained from the Mauritius 26,646 lbs. The exports of cotton are also inconsiderable. The exports of ebony in 1826 amounted to 2,002,783 lbs., of the estimated value of 9,0171. The value of the tortoise-shell exported in the same year was also estimated at about 9,000l. Considerable quantities of Indian piece goods are exported. The principal imports consist of provisions, particularly grain and flour; the supply required for the use of the island being almost entirely derived from the Cape of Good Hope, Madagascar, India, Bourbon, &c. Earthenware, machinery, furniture, hardware, piece goods, wine, &c. are also largely imported. The total estimated value of the imports in 1831 amounted to 705,5831.; the estimated value of the exports for the same year being 606,6847. In 1831, 342 ships cleared outwards, of the burden of 90,462 tons; of which 22 ships, of the burden of 5,937 tons, were for Britain.

In 1826, the population of the Mauritius amounted to 91,624 souls; of which 8,111 were whites (exclusive of the king's troops), 15,444 free blacks, 69,076 slaves, 1,736 troops, and 257 resident strangers. The population of the Seychelles-small islands dependent on the Mauritius-amounted at the same time to 7,665, of whom 6,525 were slaves.

Monies, Weights, and Measures.-According to the regulations of government, the franc is deemed equal to 10d., and the Spanish dollar to 4s. 4d. The government accounts are kept in sterling money; but merchants, shopkeepers, &c. keep their accounts in dollars and cents, and dollars, livres, and sous. The measures and weights are those of France previously to the Revolution. 100 lbs. French= 108 lbs. English; the French foot is to the English foot as 100 to 93-89, but in practice they are supposed to be as 16 to 15. The velte 1 gallon 7-8 pints English; but in commercial transactions it is always taken at 2 gallons.

Duties, &c.-A duty of 6 per cent. ad valorem is laid on all goods imported for consumption in British vessels from all quarters of the world. The duties on the goods imported in foreign ships are, for the most part also, 6 per cent. A duty of 25 cents, or 1s. 1d. per cwt. is laid on all sugar exported in British bottoms, to all places except Bourbon; and an additional duty of 8 per cent. ad valorem is laid on all goods exported in foreign bottoms. The charges for pilotage, wharfage, &c. are fixed by government, and may be learned at the Custom-house. For the most part they are very moderate.

Finance. In a financial point of view, the Mauritius does not seem to be a very valuable acquisition. During the 15 years ending with 1825, the expenditure of government in the island exceeded the revenue by no less than 1,026,2081.! According to the estimate of the commissioners of inquiry, the probable future revenue of the Mauritius may be estimated at 184,2331. a year; but the commissioners state that the expenditure in the island in 1828 amounted to 166,509., and the expenditure in Great Britain on account of the island to 77,8571.; making together 244,3661.—(Parl. Paper, No. 194, Sess. 1831.) It appears from the accounts published by the Board of Trade, that the total revenue of the colony in 1831 amounted to 232,4387., and the expenditure to 249,8247.-(Vol. i. p. 246.) We believe, however, that, by enforcing a system of unsparing retrenchment, this unfavourable balance might be considerably diminished: at present, both the number of functionaries and their salaries seem quite excessive. (This article has been almost entirely compiled from official documents.)

PORTO-RICO, the capital of the valuable Spanish island of the same name, in lat. 18° 29' 10" N., lon. 66° 13′ 15′′ W. It is situated on the north side of the island, on a peninsula joined to the main land by a narrow isthmus. The fortifications are very strong: the town which stands on a pretty steep declivity, is well built, clean, and contains from 20,000 to 30,000 inhabitants.

Harbour. The harbour of Porto-rico has a striking resemblance to that of the Havannah, to which it is but little inferior. The entrance to it, about 300 fathoms in width, has the Morro Castle on its east side, and is defended on the west side by forts erected on 2 small islands. Within, the harbour expands into a capacious basin, the depth of water varying from 5 to 6 and 7 fathoms. On the side opposite to the town there are extensive sand banks; but the entrance to the port, as well as the port itself, is unobstructed by any bar or shallow.

1

The island of Porto-rico lies in the same latitude as Jamaica. Though the smallest of the greater Antilles, it is of a very considerable size. Its form is that of a parallelogram; being about 115 miles in length from east to west, with a mean breadth of about 35, containing an area of 4,140 square miles. The surface is plentifully diversified with hills and valleys, and the soil generally fertile. It has, however, suffered much from hurricanes; those of 1742 and 1825 having been particularly destructive. Since the breaking up of the old Spanish colonial system, the progress of Porto-rico has hardly been less rapid than that of Cuba. Her population, which in 1778 was estimated at 80,650, amounted, according to a census taken in 1827, to 288,473, of which only 28,408 were slaves. A large proportion of the free inhabitants are coloured: but the law knows no distinction between the white and the coloured roturier; and this circumstance, as well as the whites being in the habit of freely intermixing with people of colour, has prevented the growth of those prejudices and antipathies that prevail between the white and the black and coloured population in the United States, and in the English and French islands.—(Balbi, Abrégé de la Géographie, p. 1175; Poinsett's Notes on Mexico, Lond. ed. pp. 4-11.)

Trade. Sugar and coffee are by far the greatest articles of export. Next to them are cattle, tobacco, molasses, rum, cotton, &c. The imports consist principally of flour, fish, and other articles of provision, lumber, &c. from the United States; cottons, hardware, machinery, &c. from England; wines, silks, jewellery, perfumery, &c. from Spain and France; linen from the Hanse Towns; iron from Sweden, Acc. Large quantities of rice, maize, &c. are raised in the island.

Account of the Value of the Imports into, and the exports from, the Island of Porto-rico in 1830; specifying those made by the Spaniards, Americans, English, &c.

Exports.

Dollars.

Hamburgh

German

Bremen

POSTAGE AND POST-OFFICE. Postage is the duty or charge imposed on letters or parcels conveyed by post; the Post-office being the establishment by which such letters or parcels are conveyed.

1. Establishment of Post-offices.-Regular posts or couriers were instituted at a very early period, for the safe, regular, and speedy transmission of public intelligence. Herodotus informs us (lib. viii. c. 98.) that in Persia, men and horses, in the service of the monarch, were kept at certain stations along the public roads; and that the despatches, being given to the first courier, were by him carried to the second, and so on, with an expedition that neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor darkness could check. A similar institution, under the name of cursus publicus, was established at Rome by Augustus, and was extended and improved by his successors. Horses and carriages were kept in readiness at the different stations along the public roads, not only for the transmission of despatches, but also for the conveyance of official personages, or others who had obtained an order from authority allowing them to travel post. By this means government was speedily apprised of whatever took place in the remotest corners of the empire; and instructions or functionaries could be sent to, or recalled from, the most distant provinces, with a celerity that would even now appear considerable.-(Bergier, Histoire des Grands Chemins, liv. iv. c. 4.; Bouchaud sur la Police des Romains, pp. 136-151.)

Posts appear to have been established, for the first time, in modern Europe, in 1477, by Louis XI. They were originally intended to serve merely, as the ancient posts, for the conveyance of public despatches, and of persons travelling by authority of government. Subsequently, however, private individuals were allowed to avail themselves of this institution; and governments, by imposing higher duties or rates of postage, on the letters and parcels sent through the Post-office than are sufficient to defray the expense of the establishment, have rendered it productive of a considerable revenue. Nor, while the rates of postage are confined within due limits, or not carried so high as to form any serious obstacle to correspondence, is there, perhaps, a more unobjectionable tax.

English Post-office.-The Post-office was not established in England till the 17th century. Post-masters, indeed, existed in more ancient times; but their business was confined to the furnishing of post-horses to persons who were desirous of travelling expeditiously, and to the despatching of extraordinary packets upon special occasions. In 1635, Charles I. erected a letter office for England and Scotland; but this extended only to a few of the principal roads, the times of carriage were uncertain, and the post-masters on each road were required to furnish horses for the conveyance of the letters at the rate of 24d. a mile. This establishment did not succeed; and at the breaking out of the civil war, great difficulty was experienced in the forwarding of letters. At length a post-office, or establishment for the weekly conveyance of letters to all parts of the kingdom, was instituted in 1649, by Mr. Edward Prideaux, attorney-general for the Commonwealth; the immediate consequence of which was a saving to the public of 7,000l. a year on account of post-masters. In 1657, the Postoffice was established nearly on its present footing, and the rates of postage that were then fixed were continued till the reign of Queen Anne.-(Black. Com. book i. c. 8.)

From the establishment of the Post-office by Cromwell, down to 1784, mails were conThis does not mean a coasting trade from port to port in the island; but the trade carried on under the Spanish flag with St. Thomas and other foreign colonies. 2 E 2 42