The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

APPENDIX F.
[Seep. 134.]
Anonymous Letter from
a Sub-Sorter.
October lith, 1849.
SIR, Before taking up too much of your time, it is but fair to state
that I shall not conform to the usage of society nor to the regulations
of the Post Office. My communication will be anonymous, and, as
you perceive, in the handwriting of a female. The dangers which
beset the " usual channel," have forced me to take this course in
offering an observation or two on the opposition to the extension of
Sunday duty. This opposition in the office is not really against the
duty, but is a strong attempt to level the author of Penny Postage,
and was originated in Mr. 's room ! The Clerks received the
cue, and artfully led the Subsorters, Letter-carriers, and Messengers
to believe that the duty was to be performed without pay. The
Inspector of Letter-carriers lent assistance by expressing a determination
to resign if the order came into operation. Old tales of cutting
down of salaries on railway lines were revived, and anecdotes manufactured
telling of meanness in private matters. The men saw what
was expected from them, and were soon employed on their walks in
announcing their doleful prospects and looking up mawworms to
protest against such a prophane decree. Of the success of this plan
out of doors, Sir, you are aware. In the office, the pretensions to
piety are quite sickening. Fellows who have broken nearly every
commandment are now fearful of causing ever so slight a flaw on the
fourth. Still, there are plenty of men willing and able to carry out
your object if certain of protection. That this is wanted, the following
instance will show. The first man who made application for the
Sunday duty was told it must be in writing. Before, however, he
could put the few words required to paper, it was known all over the
office. A system of annoyance was commenced, strong enough to
deter him from proceeding further in the matter. He was hooted at
inside the building and insulted in the street.