[12] _Mass. Records_, Vol. V., pp. 147, 148.
[13] _Colonial Records of Connecticut_, Vol. II., p. 242.
The next move came from New York, Gov. Dongan's proposition of 1684,[14] to which reference has already been made, adding to Lovelace's scheme of a post between New York and Boston, the suggestion that post houses be established along the coast from Carolina to Nova Scotia. A letter to him from Sir John Werden (August 27, 1684), whose title to the profits from the English post office[15] was held to include the British provinces, approves the project and suggests that the privilege be offered for three or five years by way of form, with a reservation of not less than one-tenth of the profits to the duke. Six months later (February 18, 1684/5), Dongan writes[16] him that he had sent _permission_ to set up a post house but no _power_ to do it, although the neighboring colonies much desired it and in some places had established foot and horse messengers. He adds, "I am going to Connecticut to-morrow, to do all possible to settle a post office to Pemaquid this spring and endeavor settlement of post house at Boston."
[15] _Colonial Documents of N. Y._, Vol. III., pp. 349-350.
[16] _Colonial Documents of N. Y._, Vol. III., p. 355.
On his return from Connecticut (March 2, 1684/5), the governor ordained in the New York council,[17] "That for the better correspondence between the colonies of America, a post office be established; and that the rates for riding post be per mile three pence; for every single letter, not above one hundred miles, three pence; if more, proportionably."
[17] _Colonial Documents of N. Y._, Vol. III.
A letter[18] from Sir Edmund Andros to John Allyn, dated November 23, 1687, speaks of a contemplated post from Boston to the farthest settlements of Connecticut, John Perry to go between Hartford, Fairfield and Stamford once a month in the winter, and every three weeks during the summer, as Allyn suggests in his answer. A letter from Samuel Sewall[19] to Samuel Mather, at Windsor, Connecticut, as early as March 6, 1685/6[20], mentions John Perry as bearer and a postage of 3d. That this project was carried out is evident from the complaint brought before the council of New York[21] by John Perry, that on his way to Boston he was laid hold on by warrant from the usurper Leysler, brought to New York and his letters opened, the apparent object being to destroy commerce and trade.