NEW POSTAGE ACT.
INSTRUCTIONS TO POSTMASTERS.
The particular attention of Postmasters and others is invited to the annexed Act, passed at the last session of Congress. It will be observed:
1st. That from and after April 1st, 1855, the single rate of postage on a letter conveyed in the mail, for any distance in the United States, not exceeding three thousand miles, is three cents, and for any distance exceeding three thousand miles, ten cents.
2nd. That from and after April 1st, 1855, prepayment by stamps, stamped envelopes or in money is compulsory.
3rd. That from and after January 1st, 1856, all letters, between places in the United States, must be prepaid either by postage stamps or stamped envelopes.
4th. That the laws relating to the Franking Privilege are not altered.
5th. That the existing rates and regulations in regard to letters to or from Canada, and all foreign countries, remain unchanged.
Unpaid letters mailed before April 1st, 1855, will be forwarded and delivered upon payment of the postage, by the person addressed. Postage stamps and stamped envelopes, of the denomination of ten cents, will be prepared and issued speedily, and the Department will use every exertion to supply all post offices with one and and three cent stamps also, as fast as they are required.
Absolute prepayment being required on all letters to places within the United States, from and after April 1st, 1855, great care should be used as well in prepaying the proper amount on letters above the weight of half an ounce, as on single letters.