Casgliadau Arlein

A facsimilie copy from the N.L.W. of a letter [1881] from Samuel Roberts (Llanbryn-Mair; 1800-85) to P. Chalmers (?) concerning postal reform - ' ...I am very thankful indeed for your Letters of 1st Inst. and for your Fresh Chapter in the ''History of Post Office Reform''. Your Letters and the ''History'' were sent after me from Conway to Manchester, where I have been spending the last three years. I have done my best, in my humble sphere, to honor and reward Sir Rowland Hill for his ability in working out Postal Reforms; but have always maintained, as you more conclusively do, that he was more of a copyist than of an inventor; and that it was no credit to him, when exhibiting his copy, that he was so careful always to keep the original out of sight. I can now only repeat my former statements that I had pleaded and petitioned for Penny postage, and reductions of Book postage, and for a uniform system of postage, more than ten years before Sir Rowland Hill had come to the conflict. Yours is the first full explanation I had of the ''Adhesive stamp plan.'' I knew that it had been originated and suggested by some one, - not by myself, nor by Sir Rowland Hill, and always said so. Some old friends acquainted with some of my ''pledings'', desired to compliment me, - but I had to disclaim the honor, and always did so, as I was bound to do. My experience and prescience were not equal to such a suggestion. Now the case is plain. It was suggested by your unassuming philanthropic Father; and future generations ought to know that he was the suggester. Excuse further explanation this morning. I have now to leave to Manchester to Lecture this evening at Bowden - and tomorrow evening at Carlstown; and to preach next Sabbath at Chester - Hope to reach home on Monday evening - I shall be proud of your name in the List of my ''Rewarders''. A small Donation from you would honor and help the movement. Apost office order on Conway post office payable to Samuel Roberts, would suit well. Most respectfully and gratefully and obediently yours - Samuel Roberts, Conway, North Wales, (now in Manchester) May 4, 1881'.