By covering both administrative and non-administrative aspects of the postal network, this four-volume reset edition shows how this system was part of a larger network which included different modes of transport and communication (steamboats, railroads, telegraphs) as well as political parties (the Democrats, Whigs and Republicans)

VOLUME 2 Contracting Introduction: Contracting I. Steamship Subsidies and the Overland Mail Edward Mills, Statement ... in Relation to his Mail Contract with the United States Government [1850] A Few Suggestions Respecting the United States Mail Steam Service (1850) W. C. Templeton, Proposals for and Advantages of a Regular Mail Communication ... by Steam Packets between New Orleans and Vera Cruz (1851) E. K. Collins, Memorial (1851) Anon., Competition [1851] Patriotic Speculations: How to Get Your Foot Out of It [1851] Robert B. Forbes, On the Establishment of a Line of Mail Steamers from the Western Coast of the United States on the Pacif c to China (1855) E. K. Collins, The Ocean Mail Service (1857) B. B. Meeker, Overland Mail Route f om Lake Superior to Puget's Sound (1858) John Roach, Letter ... Suggesting the Experiment of Advertising for Proposals of the Lowest Rates (1876) Pacif c Mail Steamship Company, The National Advantages of Government Aid to American Commerce (1877) II. Railway Mail Controversies George Bliss, Reply to a Late Letter of the Post-Master General (1842) Executive Committee of the Delaware and Raritan Canal and Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation Companies, Report of a Committee of the Joint Board of Directors (1847) Cave Johnson, Letter ... in Answer to a Publication Made by the Joint Board of Directors of the Delaware and Raritan Canal and Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation Companies (1847) Executive Committee of the Delaware and Raritan Canal and Camden and Amboy Railroad and Transportation Companies, Reply (1847) Railroad Conventions Duf Green, Circular to the Presidents of Railroad Companies [1851] Proceedings of a Convention ... on the Recommendation to Reduce the Pay for Mail Service to Rail Road Companies (1854) The Civil War Statement Made by the Railroad Companies Owning the Lines Between Washington and New York (1864) Correspondence Between the President of the Virginia Central Rail Road Company and the Postmaster