June 9, 1693, Massachusetts passed in council[44] an act for encouraging the post office, selecting Boston as the place for the general letter office, the master to be appointed by Hamilton. Rates to Europe or to any place beyond the seas, were fixed at 2d., to different places within the colonies, they varied according to distance; from Boston to Rhode Island they were 6d., to the Connecticut colonies 9d., to New York 12d., to Eastern Pennsylvania or to Western Jersey 15d., and to Maryland or to Virginia 2s. A fine of 40s. in the current money of the colony, was imposed upon those who carried or delivered letters without authority, one-half the fine recurring to their majesties for the support of the government of the province, and one-half to the postmaster-general for suing and prosecuting for same. Non-delivery or neglect of maintaining a constant post was fined 5s., one-half going to their majesties and one-half to the party aggrieved; the ferryman “neglecting, refusing or delaying conveyance,” also forfeited 5s. The postmaster was to pay the shipmaster one-half penny for each letter or pacquet brought, but all letters of public concern for their majesties’ service were to be free of charge. [44] _Mass. Historical Collections_, 3d Series, Vol. VII. That the first few years of the post in Massachusetts were not very lucrative, is shown by the numerous complaints of grievances and petitions of Duncan Campbell, appointed by Hamilton deputy postmaster.[45] The charges are thrice the income, he complains, and begs that a salary be given, urging the example of the governor and assembly of New York in voting £50 per annum for the support of the office in that province. This petition meeting with no response, he asked for freedom from public rates, taxes and excise for retailing strong drink, and in 1694 (June 20) obtained a grant of £25 per annum from the public treasury of the province for two years. In 1696 (May 27) he petitioned for a renewal of the act encouraging a post office and also for a continuation of the postmaster’s salary. The salary was voted (July 1, 1696), but no steps taken toward reviving the Post Office Act, for in 1703 (May 26) John Campbell[46] renewed the petition to the general court stating that the act had not been in force after 1696, and praying that since Hamilton was out of purse to the extent of £1,400 restitution might be made by a continuance of the privilege to his heirs.[47] The same petition was presented to Governor Joseph Dudley and to the council and representatives in General Assembly two months later (June 3, 1703), but with no result as far as renewal was concerned. Five years later (Nov. 3, 1708), a committee was appointed to inquire what allowance should be made for encouraging the post office, but up to the time of Queen Anne’s Act in 1710 no decision had been reached. [45] _Mass. Historical Collections_, 3d Series, Vol. VII., pp. 55-60.