Ensuring a Smooth Transition while Limiting Liability
John H. Reagan, turning a profit for the CSA
From The New-York Times March 26, 1861 (The New York Times Archive):
POSTAL SERVICE IN THE SOUTH.; [CIRCULAR.] CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, POST-OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
The Government of the Confederate States will not interfere with any existing contracts entered into between the Government of the United States and the present contractors, until it assumes the entire control of its postal affairs. This course is rendered necessary by the utter impracticability of mixing the employes of the two Governments in the same service.
First Confederate postage stamp (featuring first Confederate president)
The question as to whether the Government of the Confederate States will assume any liability to present contractors before it assumes the control of our Postal Affairs, involves the idea of liability, on the part of this Government, for the obligations of the United States, which cannot be entertained by this Department. But if the Government of the United States should abandon the mail service in the Confederate States, before the Department shall be organized and ready to enter into new contracts. I am authorized to continue existing contracts, provisionally, by proclamation, until new contracts can be entered into. Very respectfully,
JOHN H. REAGAN, Postmaster-General.
Postal Comity - Confederate envelope with U.S. stamp (captured in 1863)
Texan John Henninger Reagan was the Confederate Postmaster-General for the duration of the CSA. Reagan ran the department well and managed a smooth transfer of Post Office responsibilities in the South from the U.S. to the CSA on June 1, 1861. The Wikipedia article notes that Reagan’s agents in Washington, D.C. were able to persuade many U.S. Post Office bureau chiefs to come to work for the Confederacy. Even though operating during a civil war Reagan managed the only post office in American history to realize a profit.
For tons of information about Reagan’s department with images of stamps and covers check out Wikipedia.
States' Rights Champion - John C. Calhoun
Honoring a fellow rebel
Letter to William C. Rives
