27 FEBRUARY 1971, Page 24

Quite a packet

Sir : I am not a traditionalist, nor am I taking sides, but in view of our current blockade I felt you and your readers might care to know that, whilst recently sifting through antique effects, I happened on some old correspondence, and their dispatch, long before a postal network established, was not as tardy as might be imagined.

One ms, written at Milford Haven, South Wales, on the 29 July 1836, was consigned immedi- ately to 'Captain Hammond's Packet Service', which, in the absence of stamps and franks, privately marked the exterior of the letter, both with collection date, and its sealed delivery, at Middle Temple, London, on the 1 August, 1836.

Robin Franks 39 Argyll Road, London w8