Note 404 — III THE RATE FOR PARCELS
Reading edition
"It has been suggested that if the proportional charge on Letters by Weight was more gradual, many Things which now pass as Parcels by the Mails and augment the Profit of the Proprietors would be sent by the Post on Account of the superior Safety.
"It is certain that great Numbers of small Parcels are sent by the Mail Coaches at an inferior Rate of Carriage, which, considering this Establishment as a Species of exclusive Carrying Trade, must subtract considerably from its Revenue." Seventh Report, July, 1797 (Commons Reports, vol. xii. p. 189).