CHAPTER X

Allen's Contract--General Review--The Secretary's Dismissal--Earl of Abercorn's Complaint--Sketch of Allen's Plan--His Qualifications for carrying it into effect--His local Knowledge--His Difficulties with Postmasters--Post-boys--Illegal Conveyance of Letters--Contrast between Allen's Mode of Procedure and that of the Post Office--Posts increased in Frequency--Opening of Letters--Falmouth Packets--Late Delivery of Foreign Letters--Erection of Milestones--Letters containing Patterns and Writs--Apertures to Letter-boxes--Expresses--Highwaymen--Bank Notes-- Decadence--Allen's 146