Note 95 — Chapter XVI
Reading edition
Since 1814 receipts had been given for registered letters. In that year Mr. H. M. Raikes, of 4 Portman Square, represented that he frequently sent valuable parcels of diamonds between this country and Holland, and that these parcels he insured, but that, to be certain of recovering his insurance should any casualty happen, "the London merchant ought to have some proof in his possession of his having delivered such a packet into the charge of the Post Office." If, he added, the clerks would give a receipt, the merchant would gladly give them for their trouble an additional guinea. The suggestion to charge a second guinea was not adopted; but from that time a receipt had been given for a registered letter in the following form:—
Foreign Post Office.
London 181
It is hereby certified that .................... has registered at this office a sealed packet said to contain .................... addressed to .................... which will be forwarded to .................... by the mail of this evening; but for its safe conveyance this office is not responsible.
(Signature) ....................