Note 313 — Chapter IX · PROGRESS UNDER DIFFICULTIES.

“April 4th, 1854.—The Postmaster-General showed me a letter from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, marked ‘secret,’ stating that additional taxes will be required on account of the war, and asking his opinion as to the probable effect on the Post Office revenue of increasing the inland rate to twopence.... I am to prepare an estimate, but to consider the whole matter as most strictly secret. I expressed great regret, in which Lord Canning concurs, that such a project should be entertained, adding, perhaps a little hastily, that ‘I could not assist in giving effect to the measure.’ It is very disappointing that this new difficulty should arise just as I am about to overcome all the old ones.”—Sir R. Hill’s Journal.—Ed.