“‘SIR,—As the period is fast drawing near when the reduced rate of postage is to take effect in Nova Scotia, and as I perceive, by the Provincial Act that provincial stamps are to be provided for the convenience of the public, and not being aware that any steps have been taken by the Government to obtain them, I request to be informed whether His Excellency would authorize me to make application for a supply from the authorities of the General Post Office. “‘I would beg to suggest that a requisition for 5,000 sheets or more be made, each sheet containing 240 heads, which, at threepence, would be equal to £15,000, or £3 for each sheet. “‘Also, £5,000 of Six Penny stamps for double Letters, or Letters exceeding the half ounce; and also sixty “_defacing stamps_,” for the use of the several postmasters throughout the province. “‘I would further suggest that the _head_ should be something similar to that represented in the margin; the field to be _blue_ instead of red, or any other colour His Excellency would prefer. “‘This supply would, I imagine, be sufficient for the first introduction of this reduced rate, when, should His Excellency think proper, other arrangements could be made for keeping up the supply. “‘Should the Lieutenant-Governor approve of this proposition, I will apply to the Post Office in London by the next packet. “‘I have, etc., “‘(Signed) A. WOODGATE. “‘_The Honourable Joseph Howe._’” “A copy of the design mentioned in this letter is on the margin of the Letter Book. It is a large rectangular shape, in centre the head of the Queen, of a type somewhat like the early Mauritius, excepting that there is not any crown or wreath on head. This is drawn on a square of red—at top, ‘POSTAGE;’ bottom, ‘Three Pence’ in small script writing; left side, ‘NOVA’ reading up, and at right side ‘SCOTIA’ reading down; in each corner a small square, with figure ‘3’ in it. The whole look of the design is much like the early Mauritius. “The ‘defacing’ or cancelling stamp’s design was very much like the one adopted, being the same oval shape; but the lines on the face were perpendicular instead of horizontal, and the space for inserting the office a diamond instead of circular shape.