I am unable to give the date of issue of the One Penny and Nine Pence, as I have found no mention of these two stamps in The Royal Gazette; but the file I have had access to is a very incomplete one, several years being missing altogether from the series. The Nine Pence currency stamp, equal to 6d. sterling, was evidently issued for the prepayment of letters to England, as the ½ oz. rate for letters between the two countries at that time was 6d. sterling. Here let me remark that the currency of the island was apparently more depreciated than that of the other North American Colonies, where we have seen 7½d. currency was equal to 6d. sterling.
The next notice, taken from The Royal Gazette for October 22nd, 1868, shows us the reason for the issue of the Four Penny stamp, which came into use at this date or shortly afterwards.
“NOTICE.
“His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor in Council has been pleased to approve of the following modifications in the Postal Arrangement between the United States and this Island; viz.:
“On and after the first day of November next, the postage on a single Letter shall be Four Pence, if prepaid at the mailing office, and Ten Cents (equal to Six Pence) if posted unpaid; and for other than single Letters the same charge shall be made for each additional half ounce, or fraction thereof. Letters for British Columbia, California, and Oregon shall be Six Pence, if prepaid, per half ounce.
“(Signed) Thomas Owen, Postmaster-General.
“General Post Office, Ch’town, P. E. Island, October 21st, 1868.”
Mr. Thomas Owen became Postmaster-General on April 30th, 1867, in place of Mr. Peter Des Brisay, who succeeded Mr. L. C. Owen. Mr. John Andrew McDonald was appointed to the office on January 15th, 1869, in place of Mr. Thomas Owen, deceased.
The Royal Gazette for May 27th, 1870, contains the following: