In 1673 the post or messenger was instructed to apply to the Governors for " the best direction how to form the best Post-Road ;"

fitch's first steamboat.

to establish places on the road where to leave the way -letters, and " to mark some Trees that shall direct Passengers the best way, and to fix certain Houses for your several stages both to bait and lodge at." The messenger was to provide himself with " a spare horse, a Horn, and good Portmantles." Travelers who wished to avail themselves of the messenger's

company were permitted to do so, and he was instructed to afford them the best help in his power.

Miss Sarah Knight, of Boston, came to New York, in 1704, on a visit to some friends. She availed herself of the guidance and protection of the post-rider, and made the journey, on horseback, in two weeks. Her journal, printed for private circulation, contains graphic and quaint descriptions, and reveals a shrewd observer of men and things. It has proved of inestimable value to all writers about the olden time. She gives the reader an idea of the hardships of travel in those days, -- hardships bravely borne, in 1702^ by another lady, Mrs. Shippen, who travelled from Boston to Philadelphia on horseback, carrying Or baby on her lap} We get here, also, an insight into the primitive postal system : " Tuesday, October y" third, about 8 in the morning, I with the Post proceeded forward . . and about 2, afternoon, arrived at the Post's second stage, where the western Post met him and exchanged letters. Having here discharged the Ordinary for self and guide, as I understood was the custom, about 3, afternoon, went on with my third guide, who rode very