Matched set of 11 postal maps together with the cover letter sent by W.L. Nicholson to J.P. Chambers, general auditor of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. The letter, dated July 12, 1879, apologizes to Mr. Chambers for the delay in dispatching the maps due "to the great pressure upon this Office during the recent Session of Congress." In the letter Nicholson lists all of the maps in this collection. Further is a printed list of these maps with his manuscript addition calling the list 'partial' and adding the date, July 12, 1879. Both are attached on the verso of the upper New York map. The collection includes the following Post Route maps: 1) New York, upper part; 2) New York, lower; 3) Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia with adjacent parts of New York Ohio Virginia and West Virginia, upper; 4) ditto, lower; 5) Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri, upper, 6) ditto, lower; 7) Minnesota; 8) Michigan and Wisconsin; 9) Ohio and Indiana; 10) New England States (Excepting Maine); and 11) Maine. The maps vary in size from 30" x 37.5" up to 61" x 55". Each is a segmented map mounted on linen with original marbled paper covers and paper label. Super large-scale maps (five or six miles to the inch) of the area showing the postal routes with frequency of delivery noted (from once to six times a week), special supply routes and mail message routes. The current and discontinued offices are located. With numerous insets of distances, general statistics, list of counties, etc. The maps appear to be updated to 1879, originally drawn between 1866 and 1876. All are for Postmaster General Alex W. Randall. A rare and important collection of maps complete with related letter from the topographer to the U.S. Post Office.

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Condition: B

Generally all very good condition with moderate offsetting. Maine with small stain top and bottom.