France, Holland, &c. Letters cannot be sent by private vessels

As there is great Reason to believe that many Persons are in the Practice of sending Letters by Neutral Vessels from Dover to Calais, and to other Ports of France; and also by private Vessels from Harwich and Yarmouth to the Elbe, instead of sending them by the Packets: HIS MAJESTY's POSTMASTER GENERAL find it their Duty to give this Public Notice, that the Acts of Parliament which prohibit this illegal Mode of conveying Letters will be carried into Effect to their utmost Extent, in order to check and prevent the Injury which this Revenue sustains from such a Practice.

Their Lordships also think it necessary to caution all Higlers, Carriers, Stage Coachmen, Watermen, and others, against conveying Letters, with or without Hire; as their Lordships are determined, in all such Cases, to prosecute and sue for the full Penalties, which are FIVE POUNDS for each Offence, and ONE HUNDRED POUNDS for every Week such Practice shall be continued; one Half of the Penalty to the King, the other to the Informer.

ANTHONY TODD, FRANCIS FREELING, Joint Secretary.