“‘(Signed) A. Woodgate, Postmaster-General.
“‘Receiver-General of Nova Scotia.’
[A] The sheet of the One Penny therefore contained 120 stamps, while those of the Three Pence, Six Pence, and One Shilling, as we see from Mr. A. Woodgate’s letter of July 2nd, 1857, were each composed of 160 stamps.
“This is the first mention of the One Penny stamps in the letter-book, and the date of issue should, I think, be taken from that application. In the letter-book containing copies of letters to deputies, the first requisition for One Penny stamps is from the Postmaster of Amherst, the answer to which, here given, is:
“‘Halifax, June 30th, 1853.
“‘Sir,—I beg to enclose herewith, agreeably to your request, postage stamps to the amount of £2 5s.; viz., one sheet of Three Pence and sixty labels of One Penny stamps. Also a supply of the proper printed applications, one of which I will thank you to fill up and return to this office with the acknowledgment.
“‘I am, &c. &c.,
“‘(Signed) C. H. H.
“‘Postmaster, Amherst.’
“Amherst was then one of the largest towns of this Province, outside of the capital, and the amount of the One Penny required shows the small use of this value outside Halifax. The requisitions show that this was the usual number of One Penny stamps asked for, sometimes a little more, and very often less, and, being used as they were for a merely town or drop postage, accounts for their scarcity.