Note 497 — Chapter VII
Reading edition
Letters were sent to the colonies by private vessels. The method used for sending letters to America was as follows. Masters of vessels bound for America used to hang up a bag in the coffee-houses, in which letters were placed. A fee of one penny was charged for a single letter and 2d. for a double letter or parcel in excess of a single letter (Cal. T. P., 1697-1702, p. 77).