“The ‘defacing’ or cancelling stamp’s design was very much like the one adopted, being the same oval shape; but the lines on the face were perpendicular instead of horizontal, and the space for inserting the office a diamond instead of circular shape.

“This design for stamps did not likely go further than the office of the Provincial Secretary, to whom it was written, and it appears that stamps must have been ordered before this, as there does not appear to be time enough between this date and that when stamps were issued (September 1st, 1851) to have designs approved of and plates prepared. It is more than probable that the Hon. Joseph Howe, the Provincial Secretary, who, I am informed, was in London the winter previous, had designs then submitted to him and approved of, and ordered the necessary stamps without the knowledge of the Postmaster-General. At the same time he apparently had the power to decide on the design of the New Brunswick stamps, as may be inferred from the following memorandum; or perhaps the stamps of both Colonies were bought together for the sake of economy. The memorandum is dated July 8th, 1851, and is copied from the same letter-book:

“‘MEMO.

“‘When Mr. Howe made the application for stamps, it was proposed that, after the first supply had arrived, the plates could have been sent out, and impressions taken off by engravers in Halifax. As Mr. Saunders, however, seems to report against the proposition, I would beg to suggest, for the consideration of the Government, that £10,000 worth of stamps for Nova Scotia, and a similar amount for New Brunswick; viz.—

3d.£5,000
6d.£2,500
1s.£2,500

be furnished for immediate use; or, should this amount be considered too small, to double the above numbers.

“‘I would also recommend that 200 half-pound canisters of obliterating ink be also provided—100 for the use of this province, and 100 for New Brunswick—and directions for its use.

“‘(Signed) A. W.

“‘W. H. Keating, Esq., July 8th, 1851.’

“What amount of stamps was ordered could not be found out, nor can any trace of further orders be found until 1857, when an application letter was sent to the Provincial Secretary, and which will be copied later on.