1 cent 9,638,600 2 cents 46,440,000 3 " 231,773,300 5 " 1,006,400 10 " 3,076,070 12 " 2,087,575 15 " 868,080 24 " 167,453 30 " 214,000 90 " 26,870 During the currency of these stamps, a new contract was entered into with the same company. A special despatch to the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, dated Oct. 3rd, 1868 states: "Postmaster General Randall to-day accepted the proposal of the National Bank Note Company, of New York, for furnishing stamps for four years at 25½ cents per 1000. This includes everything required for preparing the stamps for immediate use, gumming, perforation printing and preparing receipts. The contractors are also required to furnish new designs, at least four of which must be printed in combination colors." The number of the several values of these stamps issued, with the _grille_ is approximated as above, it being not quite certain whether a few without the grille were not in stock at the dates from which the enumeration is made. XXII. THE ISSUE OF 1869. The New York Evening Post of October 6th, 1868, also contains a notice of; "THE NEW CONTRACT FOR POSTAGE STAMPS. In June last, Postmaster General Randall, advertised for proposals for furnishing the Government with postage stamps for a term of years. The Committee of experts appointed for the purpose, decided in favor of the National Bank Note Company, and on Saturday last, the Postmaster General awarded the contract to that Company for a term of four years. We have been shown proofs of the new stamps, and they reflect credit upon the artistic taste of the Company." Some of these proofs are then described. "One of the characteristics of the stamps manufactured by this Company is that the ink used prevents persons washing, and using the stamps a second time. The fiber in the centre of the stamp is broken completely, and they adhere better, while the ink of cancellation sinks into the paper. The engraving on these stamps are remarkable copies of historical pictures, and bear the test of microscopical examination." These are probably the only words of approbation to be found in the daily press among the host of comments upon these stamps, which by the terms of the contract were to be ready on the first of February, 1869. Messrs. Butler & Carpenter, of Philadelphia, had claimed to be entitled to the award on the ground that they had submitted a better bid than the National Bank Note Co., which resulted in delay and the appointment of the commission above mentioned.