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Papers from the Historical Seminary of Brown University
Edited by J. FRANKLIN JAMESON, Ph. D., Professor of History
THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE COLONIAL POST-OFFICE
Reprinted from the Publications of the Rhode Island Historical Society
EARLY HISTORY OF THE COLONIAL POST OFFICE.
A letter written in 1652, by Samuel Symonds of Ipswich, to John Winthrop, Jr., at Pequot, says: "I cannot say but its besides my intentions that I write not more frequently unto you; I can onely plead this for my excuse (soe farr as it will goe) ... and the uncertainty when and how to convey letters."[1]
[1] _Mass. Historical Collections_, 4th Series, Vol. VII., p. 128.
A glance at the correspondence of that period shows that Mr. Symonds was not the only one inconvenienced by the "uncertainty when and how to convey letters." With no domestic postal service the writers of that day were dependent upon individual bearers and pressed neighbors, relatives, merchants, sea captains, any and every one whom they could reach, into the service. Indians were often used as messengers. Roger Williams writing to John Winthrop, at some time in the '30's, speaks of word "by this bearer Wequash whome (being a Pequt himselfe) I commended for a guide in the Pequt expedition;" again, "I pray let your servant direct the native with this letter;" and at still another time, "From your owne hand (by Robin Causasenamont)."[2]
[2] _Mass. Historical Collections_, 4th Series, Vol. VI., pp. 242, 256, 276.
John Endicott writes to John Winthrop, April 13, 1638: "Your kinde lines I receaued by Mascanomet;" and a letter from the Isle of Wight (near Long Island), dated "Aprill 27, 1650," says, "I resavid yours by the Indian."[3]