It has gradually been brought to its present perfection, being at first in the hands of individuals, and replete with abuses.

In its present form it not only supplies the government with a great revenue, but accomplishes that by means highly beneficial to the persons contributing.
"The Post-office is the most important spot on the surface of the globe.
It receives information from all countries; it distributes instructions to the antipodes; it connects together more numerous and distant interests of men than any similar establishment.

It is in the highest degree hitherto realized, the seat of terrestrial perception and volition--the brain of the whole earth; and hitherto it has been in a narrow valley, misshapen even to deformity, and scarcely accessible to the few mail coaches which collect there for their nightly freights.
"The present Post-office was erected in 1660; but great additions have been made to it from time to time, though the whole is disjointed and inconvenient.
"The mode of carrying letters by the General Post was greatly improved a few years since, by a most admirable plan, invented by Mr.Palmer.
Previously to its adoption, letters were conveyed by carts, without protection from robbery, and subject to delays.

At present they are carried, according to Mr.Palmer's plan, by coaches, distinguished by the name of mail-coaches, provided with a well-armed guard, and forwarded at the rate of eight miles an hour, including stoppages.
Government contracts with coach-keepers merely for carrying the mail, the coach-owner making a profitable business besides, of carrying passengers and parcels.

It is not easy to imagine a combination of different interests to one purpose, more complete than this.