Dead letters. Missent, dead & returned letter forms

To all Postmasters.

FROM the numerous inconveniencies that have hitherto arisen to Correspondence, by returning to London such Letters as were missent from this Office, and which might have been forwarded much more expeditiously through the Cross Post.

I am directed by the Postmaster-General to inform you, that from and after the 31st Instant, you are to forward all Letters of the above description, by the nearest Post Communication, either by sending them through the Cross Post, or if equally expeditious, by returning them to this Office.

You will also observe, that the Bye and Cross Road Dead Letters and Covers are to be returned to the Accountant of that Office, at the same time you return the GENERAL OFFICE Dead letters and Covers to the POSTMASTER GENERAL according to the Instructions herewith sent you, for the management of the Missent, Dead and Returned Letters, overcharged Letters and Rebates, with a supply of the forms referred to, which will be sent you Quarterly, and to which Their Lordships expect you to pay the strictest attention.

I am likewise directed by Their Lordships to send you herewith, an Advertisement, to be affixed either at the Window or some conspicuous Place, at the front of your Office, for the information of the Inhabitants resident in your Town, as well as of Travellers in general, that they may be informed thereby of the time limited for Letters remaining at your Office previous to their being sent hither to be opened.

ANTHONY TODD, Sec.