United States. Post Office Department

On July 26, 1775, members of the Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, agreed: That a postmaster general be appointed for the United Colonies, who shall hold his office at Philada, and shall be allowed a salary of 1000 dollars per an: for himself, and 340 dollars per an: for a secretary and Comptroller, with power to appoint such, and so many deputies as to him may seem proper and necessary. That a line of posts be appointed under the direction of the Postmaster general, from Falmouth in New England to Savannah in Georgia, with as many cross posts as he shall think fit. This simple statement signaled the birth of the Post Office Department, the predecessor of the U.S. Postal Service and the second oldest federal department or agency of the United States. Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General. Under him and his immediate successors, the postal system mainly carried communications between Congress and the armies. America's present Postal Service descends in an unbroken line from the system Franklin planned and placed in operation. History rightfully accords him major credit for establishing the basis of the system that has well served the growing and changing needs of the American people. -- United States Postal Service http://www.usps.com/postalhistory/ (viewed December 19, 2008)

From the description of John F. Gilbert acceptance as mail carrier, 1885. (University of Georgia). WorldCat record id: 289025054

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