HILL ROWLAND: (1795-1879) English teacher, inventor and social reformer who campaigned for a comprehensive reform of the postal system and is credited with originating the basic concepts of the modern postal service, including the invention of the postage stamp. L.S., Rowland Hill, one page, folio, General Post Office, London, 2^nd June 1855, to Monsieur Stourn in Paris. Hill refers to his previous letter and requests that his correspondent 'will be good enough to let me know whether the Books in question were refused by Mr. Johnston at Bordeaux'. With various official stamps and ink and pencil annotations to the upper portion of the letter. A couple of small, minor tears to the edges, otherwise VG

Hill served as Secretary to the Post Office from 1854-64.