The farmers must be men of stability and good credit and must be selected from those contracting. Official letters and letters from and to members of Parliament must be carried free. All postage rates must be fixed by the Council and not changed without its consent. Finally all postmasters should be approved by the Council and Lord Protector.[109] [107] _Ibid._, 1651-52. [108] _Ibid._, 1651-59, p. 192. [109] _Cal. S. P. D._, 1652-53, p. 449. The following is a list of the contractors, with the yearly amounts offered by each: Ben Andrews for Inland Office £3600 Ben Andrews for Foreign Office 3500 Henry Robinson for both offices 8041 Ben Andrews for both offices 9100 John Goldsmith for both offices 8500 Ralph Kendall for both offices 10103 John Manley, with good security 8259 Rich. Hicks 9120 Rich. Hill 8160 --_Cal. S. P. D._, 1652-53, p. 450. The policy of the Commonwealth in letting the posts out to farm had much in its favour. The evil usually resulting from farming is the temptation and the opportunity it offers for extortion from the people. But in the case of the posts no oppression was possible, for the farmer was limited in his charge to the rate fixed by the Government. More than this, private control over the post office business afforded what was most needed at the time, greater economy and stricter supervision over the deputy postmasters. It was upon the deputy postmasters alone that the farming system might exercise undue pressure, but from them there was no complaint of the withholding or reduction of wages until after Cromwell's death.[110] [110] _Cal. S. P. D._, 1658-59, p. 371. John Manley was appointed "Farmer of the Posts" for two years at a yearly rent of £10,000. There were at least four higher tenders than his, and Manley contracted only for £8259. It was hinted that Manley and the Council had come to a private agreement concerning the rent to be paid.[111] In his orders to the postmasters, Manley requested them to take particular care of government packets and to see that no one was allowed to ride in post unless by special warrant. All letters should be counted by them and the number certified in London. They were to keep a sharp eye upon people, especially travellers, and report any discontent or disaffection.[112] In 1654 Manley's title of Postmaster-General was confirmed by act of Parliament, the first act dealing directly with postal affairs.[113] He was unsuccessful in having his franchise extended beyond the original two years, and by order of the Council of State the management of the Posts was entrusted to Mr. Thurloe, Secretary of State, for £10,000 a year, the same amount which Manley had paid.[114] [111] _Ibid._, 1653-54, pp. 27, 328. [112] _Cal. S. P. D._, 1653-54, p. 328. [113] Scobell's _Collect._, p. 358. [114] _Rep. Com._, 1844, xiv, app., p. 71 (48); _Cal. S. P. D._, 1655, p. 138.