January 10, 1678-79. "Whereas his Majesty did this Day in Council take notice of some Proclamations that have issued whereof no notice has come into severall parts of the Kingdome than what happens to be given by the Gazet, notwithstanding the great charge that is brought unto his Majesties accompt for the sending and Dispatching all Proclamations that issue, therefore to reform this abuse, and to settle for the future a method of lesse expence, and more certainty and expedition in the publique Service, It is this day ordered by his Majesty in Councill that the Right honorable the principall Secretaries of State do call before them Philip Frowde Esq. Governor of the Post office, and settle a method for sending all Proclamations to the respective Sheriffs, so as the next Postmaster to such Sheriff be charged with the Delivery of the same, and send up the Sheriffs receipt for his Discharge. The clerk of the Crowne is also to be summoned, and orders given him, that as soon as Proclamations passe the Seale, he do deliver them the next post day into the Post office and take a receipt thereof for the Discharge of his Duty herein, And the messengers of the Exchequer who have formerly been intrusted with this Service to his Majesties Damage and Expence are to be summoned and acquainted with the Rule that is now to be established, and that they desist hereafter from intermedling with this matter." (Privy Council Register, II Chas., 14:12.) This new order, however, took away much of the revenue of the messengers and after a formal complaint had been made and duly heard, the Council concluded not to alter "the ancient Course of Dispersing Proclamations, but leaves the Same to the Execution of the messengers of the Exchequer as formerly and that they take care that no Complaints be brought against them hereafter for not timely delivering of Proclamations. And his Majesty is graciously pleased to Command that the said Order of the 10th Instant be, and the same is hereby Superseded." (Idem, p. 39.) With the reform of the postal service in 1709, the Privy Council discontinued the use of riding messengers and ordered that in future proclamations should be sent out by post.