La Posta January 2002 47
Figure 1 The first registered marking, a sharp large R, on an EL, dated July 13, 1846, from Ebensburgh
PA. There is no registry number code on the letter.
Registration at Philadelphia
log registry of incoming letters (perhaps mailed in aPart 1
separate pouch for easy identification) that contained
by Tom Clarke
2
currency, securities, or other important papers.
Registered letters are fascinating simply because they
Philadelphia’s “R’s”
bear extra markings, most of which are colorful and
others are artistic and pleasing to see. They require
Valuable content letters would receive an “R” on out-
extra cost, which requires more postage, and in all
going Philadelphia mail to indicate their status and
periods this means they would be more rare that stan-
need for heightened care. On letters of worth incom-
dard mail. And their relative infrequency forces them
ing to Philadelphia there might be a manuscript
to a premium value.
“Reg’d” or “Registered” applied or from Cleveland
and Detroit their favorite, an oval “Money Letter” hand
Early theft
stamp. These signaled that Philadelphia’s clerks would
need to log them (typically with a number in the lowerBefore official registration, persons gave unto God’s
3
left ) and render reciprocal care. Eventually thesecare their valuables sent by the post. While postmen
important letters received a control number on the frontwere honest, the goods inside would find their way
also, but sometimes nothing. This again suggests thatsafely to their destination. But not all government
they were separated from the regular mail, and recog-appointees and their designees are trustworthy, and
nized on receipt. Incoming letters usually, but not al-citizens would rather trust coins and paper and impor-
ways, received the Philadelphia “R” marking.tant legal forms to servants and friends instead of the
USPO.
The 1845 registry agreements were concluded by early
Fall because the first “R” markings were stamped inAs early as 1808, an individual was assigned to inves-
1
Philadelphia a day or so after the dial’s date of Octo-tigate mail theft. However, the earliest practical at-
4
ber 31. They would serve not quite a full decade, thetempt to prevent theft of valuable letter contents be-
final usage of an “R” was sometime around Januarygan in Philadelphia (and New Orleans-Mobile) be-
5
8, 1855.tween 1845 and 1855. It was a free service begun via
informal agreements between postmasters across the
After this ten-year trial, official registration of valu-
country such as Cleveland and Detroit, and little Wilkes
able mail became a reality at the Post Office begin-
Barre PA. The Philadelphia postmaster would keep a
ning on July 1, 1855. However, now there would be a
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