THE EARL Y MAIL- CO A CHES 1 5 1 



in the counting-liouse of his father's hrewery. 

 Wearying of that commercial routine, and still 

 without success disputing the question of entering 

 the Army, he set about learning the practical side 

 of brewing, and worked among the vats and mash- 

 tubs of his father's establishment. Then his health 

 gave way, and signs of consumption rendered a 

 rest and change of air necessary. Recovering at 

 last and returning to Bath, he entered into the 

 conduct of his father's theatrical enterprises, and 

 at the time when he conceived his plan was the 

 very busy and successful manager of all these 

 theatres, for Avhicli his energy had secured Royal 

 patents - a license then necessary for the presenta- 

 tion of stage-plays. These patents were then the 

 only ones enjoyed by theatres out of London. 



Palmer was, therefore, no impecunious adven- 

 turer, but a theatrical proprietor and manager, 

 accustomed to secure the highest talent for his 

 houses in this resort of fashion. His native 

 energy, that brought him success in beating up 

 for talented actors and actresses all over the 

 country, stood him in good stead when the idea 

 of entirely remodelling the carrying of the mails 

 occurred to his active mind. Nothing, indeed, 

 short of the utmost persistence and determination 

 could have surmounted the obstacles to reform that 

 were placed in his way by the Post Office officials. 



The mails he had perceived to be the slowest 

 travelling in the kingdom, and he decided that 

 they ought to be, and should be, the quickest. 

 His own frequent journeys had shown him the 



