New world mail

You're referring to the New World Mail, a postal service that operated in the 17th century!

The New World Mail was a postal system established in 1639 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony to facilitate communication between the colonies and England. It was one of the earliest postal systems in the American colonies.

Here are some interesting facts about the New World Mail:

  1. Route network: The New World Mail had a network of routes that connected the colonies in New England, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
  2. Postmasters: The system was managed by postmasters, who were responsible for collecting and delivering mail. The first postmaster was Richard Fairbanks, who served from 1639 to 1654.
  3. Mail delivery: Mail was delivered by horseback or on foot, often taking several weeks to reach its destination. The journey from Boston to London, for example, took around 6-8 weeks.
  4. Rates: The cost of sending mail varied depending on the distance and weight of the letter. A letter from Boston to London, for instance, cost around 6-8 pence.
  5. Security: The New World Mail was not without its challenges. Mail was often delayed, lost, or stolen, and there were instances of mail being intercepted by pirates or rival colonies.
  6. Expansion: The New World Mail expanded to other colonies, including the Carolinas, Virginia, and New York, as the colonies grew and trade increased.
  7. Merger: In 1775, the New World Mail merged with the British postal system, which had been established in 1635. This marked the beginning of the United States Postal Service (USPS) as we know it today.

The New World Mail played a significant role in the development of communication and trade in the American colonies, paving the way for the modern postal system we enjoy today.