1848 Letter to Congress
Letter to A.C. van Raalte from Congressman Charles Stuart regarding van Raalte’s request for the establishment of a post office in the Holland “kolonie”:
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Washington, February 11, 1848 Revd. Sir: Your favor of 24 January, mailed at the capital and embracing also a letter from Henry Pennoyer, Esq. is received. It will require some six months to procure a mail route through your colony from Allegan to Grand Haven, as this cannot be done without a law of Congress, and the custom is to embrace all new routes in one bill which is prepared and passed at the close of the session. I shall endeavor to procure a route for you, if it can be done. In the meantime I have procured for your convenience the establishment of a post office, and the appointment of Henry D. Post Esq., as postmaster. This is a “special” office and must be supplied from the nearest post office in Allegan County, Michigan, I supposed to be Manlius, for the net proceeds of your office. The office is called Black River, and you will see the reason endorsed on the enclosed notice to me. I have presented your petition for the improvement of your harbor and will do all in my power to induce Congress to provide for you in this respect. I entertain strong doubts however whether at this session anything can be done. In common with others from and in our state I take a deep interest in the success of your Colony, and shall be happy at all times to render you any service in my power. Respectfully yours, etc., Chas. E. Stuart |