Section 1, Act of March 2, 1847, permitted deputy postmasters whose compensation for last preceding year did not exceed $200 to send letters written by himself, and to receive through the mail written communications addressed to himself in his private business which shall not exceed ½ ounce, free of postage. Regulation 293, allowed every deputy postmaster to frank and receive free all his letters, public and private, subject to the ½-ounce weight. This privilege did not extend to his wife or any other member of the family.
Paid letters might be forwarded by private opportunity to places where no post offices were established.
Postmasters were not allowed to give credit for postage, but if it was done, letters addressed to such persons on which postage was paid or tendered by him could not be detained.
Act of August 31, 1852, allowed letters enclosed in stamped envelopes to be sent out of the mail.
By joint resolution of February 20, 1845, the Postmaster General could make contracts with railroads for carrying the mail without advertising for bids as was then the custom.