Postal history of the Kingdom of Westphalia

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The postal system in the Kingdom of Westphalia had a decisive influence on German postal history.

Contemporary history

In the battle of Jena and Auerstedt on October 14, 1806, Prussia was devastated. With the Peace of Tilsit on July 9, 1807, Prussia then lost the Electorate of Hanover again. ( Napoléon had the Electorate of Hanover occupied at the end of May 1803 and exchanged it on December 12, 1805 in the Treaty of Schönbrunn for the Prussian Kleve, Neuenburg (Neuchâtel) and Ansbach - Bayreuth . A legally valid contract on the exchange was never concluded.)

Map of the Kingdom, 1808

Napoleon had not only occupied Hanover and most of Prussia, but also the Duchy of Brunswick and Electorate Hesse , both states that had refused to join the Confederation of the Rhine . Napoleon formed the Kingdom of Westphalia from parts of these occupied territories. He made his brother Jérôme king and proclaimed this unnatural structure on December 7, 1807.

The postal system

The short period of the Kingdom of Westphalia was of great importance for the development of the post in Germany. Napoleon brought specialists to his occupied territories in order to realize his ideas of a modern postal system. In Germany, unlike in France, the post office was unable to develop as a unified whole. The interests of the German sovereigns, kings, dukes and electors, who insisted on their postal sovereignty, had led to the Imperial Post Office operated by the Thurn and Taxis losing control of many areas at the end of the 18th century. On the eve of the French Revolution, the Imperial Post Office covered an area of ​​220,000 km² in which 11.3 million people lived. At the same time, however, there were a further 12 royal postal institutions in the empire, whose areas totaled 450,000 km² with 16.7 million souls. The various post offices of even friendly princes competed with each other for control of the postal traffic. For example, a few years before the battle of Jena and Auerstedt, the Prussian Post had rerouted the postal route from Leipzig to Hamburg from Stendal and Osterburg via Magdeburg directly to Salzwedel via the villages of Detzerwarthe and Späningen in order to shorten the route by 24 hours. With this, Prussia hoped to induce the Leipzig merchants to use the Prussian rather than the Braunschweig post in their extensive correspondence with Hamburg.

In terms of mail, everything stayed the same until the reorganization. The General Post Directorate in Hanover and the Post Directorate in Braunschweig continued to work, as did the Oberpost Directorate in Kassel . The areas of the old parts of the country that did not belong to the Kingdom of Westphalia were also administered from Hanover. In the organizational phase, the prefects and sub-prefects, who often came from the class of the landed nobility, tried to influence the setting of postal rates. For example, the sub-prefect of Stendal tried to get the count of Schulenburg zu Bodendorf to have a postal connection close to his estate in Bodendorf. Such influence was already common in Prussian times. For example, the Rogätzer accused the former Prussian minister and former Magdeburg chamber president of deliberately extending the new postal route from Schulenburg zu Kehnert from Magdeburg to Havelberg via Tangermünde by making a detour via the town of Kehnert on the Elbe, out of personal interest. The influence of local officials on the postal organization of the Kingdom of Westphalia seems to have been relatively small. The reorganization of the postal system and the associated control of essential information flows apparently prompted King Jérôme to leave the establishment of the postal administration to the French. The Westphalian Post was subordinate to the Ministry of Finance. During the organizational phase of the kingdom, the former prefect of the department of Seine Inférieure Beugnot was provisional finance minister. After his departure to the Grand Duchy of Berg, von Bülow, the former President of the Magdeburg Chamber of War and Domains, became finance minister who was close to Hardenberg. He was responsible for the general management of the Post, to which a little more than 20 people belonged. The comparable authorities in the French Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia employed 400 and 110 people respectively. The Frenchman Alexis Jean François Pothau was appointed General Manager and Jean Pierre Alliey was appointed General Secretary, who made a special effort to fill important positions with French. Of the 21 members of the General Management employed in March 1808, 14, or two thirds, were French. Although the French who came into the country with Jérôme were over-represented in the higher administrative ranks in other areas as well, no other directorate-general was so strongly under their control. Overall, their share in the postal service, as in the entire Westphalian administration, was low. According to the postal register, 797 people were employed during the existence of the kingdom, of which 47 (almost 6%) were of French origin. Not all of them came to the country when the kingdom was founded; some were descendants of Huguenots or immigrated during the time of Frederick II. The French seem to have made the ascent easier. 139 people held more than one post, i.e. only 17%, but of the French, more than half held more than one post.

It was no easy task to form a cohesive unit with a uniform postal organization from the mixed up parts of the country. The French postal law could not be easily introduced. In France, the transport system (parcel and personal mail) was left to private initiative, while in Germany it was the responsibility of the state post.

The following were integrated into the area of ​​the Westphalian postal administration: Anhalt-Dessau with Dessau, Gröbzig, Radegast, Sandersleben and Zerbst; Anhalt-Cöthen with Cöthen, Güsten and Roslau; Anhalt-Bernburg with Ballenstedt, Bernburg, Coswig, Harzgerode and Hoym: Lippe-Detmold with Alverdissen, Bösingfeld, Detmold, Lemgo and Salzuflen; Schaumburg-Lippe with Bückeburg, Hagenburg and Stadthagen; the principality of Waldeck with Arolsen, Corbach and Pyrmont; the Duchy of Lauenburg with Büchen, Hamfeld, Lauenburg, Mölln and Ratzeburg; Mecklenburg-Schwerin with Boizenburg and Lübten; Saxony-Meiningen with Meiningen and Salzungen; the Duchy of Hesse in the towns of Stadtberge; as well as post offices in the free cities of Bremen, Hamburg, Hamburg-Bergedorf and Lübeck.

There were also important connections abroad. The kingdom began negotiations for mail exchange and transit with Prussia (July 1808), the Grand Duchy of Berg , Saxony (December 1808), Bavaria (September 1808), etc., and concluded postal contracts (with Prussia on April 9, 1809). Naturally, the contract with Berg was of particular importance, since most of the mail to and from France had to be routed through the Grand Duchy.

The organization of the posts was regulated by a royal decree of February 11, 1808. The already existing horse posts were retained. In larger towns, a director appointed by the finance minister maintained a post office while the post office operator took care of the haulage. In small towns, mail and horse mail were operated by a postmaster who was also appointed to his office by the finance minister. In places without a postal connection, a contract based on the postal regulations had been concluded with a suitable local resident.

The postage exemption was regulated very generously to the detriment of the post office. The postage exemption extended exclusively to letters and letter parcels in domestic traffic. The foreign postage had to be paid for shipments abroad.

A decree of October 31, 1808 brought the first uniform tariff, it came into force on January 1, 1809. For more than a year, the post offices continued to work under the old postal laws under the name “Royal Westphälische Postbureaus”.

The new tariffs were so high that it was mockingly noted that the Post could not be exceeded in Germany. The poorly maintained administration, the large number of civil servants and the enormous amount of fees prevented a profit from the post. The loss of mail prompted the administration to add a military escort to every mail.

The most important regulations are briefly listed here: From January 1, 1809, all letters were to be calculated in francs and cents. The postage of the letters and letter parcels in the tariffs was indicated according to the shortest distances and their severity. The distances were to be measured from office to office according to the postcards, just as the couriers had to pass them.

Tariff of January 1, 1809

Postmark

Stamp forms and seals of the Westphalian Post

In the General Circular (44) of September 23, 1808, the Kgl. Westphalian Post announces the introduction of postmarks. The post offices “ will gradually receive four stamps and seals .. The seal, the ordinary and Franco stamps do not require any explanation .. The rate of the franked letters is noted on the back at all times ... The stamp“ Charge ”is on the complained or recruited letters are placed next to the inscription, the rate noted on the back and the Franco stamp added to the side of the batch stamp. ... The stamp “Déboursé” (expenses) is printed on the back of letters or parcels sent to another bureau; the same type of procedure also applies to chaged (complained) letters; this stamp is used as often as letters or parcels are returned ”.

Many post offices received postmarks for the first time. One of the many positive changes the French influence brought to the post in Germany.

The instruction on the use of stamps was obviously not precise enough, just a few days later, on October 24, 1808, the General Circular (45) explained the procedure. “ Often people fail to put the stamp on the letters”. The stamp “Franco” “is engraved over the name of the bureau. It indicates that the letter from the bureau has been franked to the place of destination, be it to locations in the Kingdom or generally to locations whose rates are known, and which can be franked until then; but since this could lead to errors at the German post offices, these franking stamps are to be sent back to the General Management immediately, and Franco is to be written by hand on the letters ” . - “Déboursés” stamp “Called a continuous letter. If there is no postage on such a letter, the director of this second bureau does not have to stamp “Déboursés” on it, because he does not have to charge any postage for this letter . " - Postage exemption for a department or a district ” may not be charged with postage, even if the same has to go through a part of another department or district. One only has to take into account the place of departure and the destination of the letter ”.

On November 12th, 1808, it is said about the Déboursés “T he franked or weighted letters, which according to their destination must be forwarded by a postal director, should bear the Déboursés stamp backwards, like the other ordinary letters that require this ” . - Franco stamp “ Just as the post directors get their Franco stamp back, they will ensure that such stamps are not placed next to the ordinary stamp but on another end of the letter. You will continue to indicate in writing how far such a letter is franked ”.

Small post offices have not received all the stamps. Thus one writes on December 16, 1808 about the display and recommandation stamps: “ Expediteurs, which the in Circular No. 44 have not received the stamp mentioned above, the word Auslage (Déboursé) must be legibly written on the back and the word recommended (chargés) on the corner of the letter. “On December 18th of the same year it was criticized that the exchange offices often fail to put their office stamp on the address and thus prevent the Westphalian postage to and from the border to be calculated. About the postage stamps it says: “A postage letter must have two, a returned letter must have three.”. The postage-paid letter has the local and postage stamps, the registered letter also has the “charge” "stamp. At the same time, the terms déboursé and déboursés are redefined:“ Advance letters are letters that are only covered with foreign postage. Disbursement letters (déboursés) are those with an incorrect valuation or because they had an erroneous determination. " In another place that the stamp 'Franko Westphälische Grenzé "is not only intended for franking, but .... for items that go abroad and for which the Franko is only paid up to our border " must be refused.

On January 1st, 1809, we learned that “ the usual local, postage or recommandation stamp must also be set on the so-called advice letters (parcel addresses) at the parcel shop ”.

Postal service

The shortest route was to be calculated as the distance. The aim was to find a way within the kingdom to avoid transit costs through a foreign postal area. All letters and parcels were entered in a journal and from there on postcards. The number of letters and the corresponding addresses were entered on these postcards and were sent to the post office of destination for inspection.

In order to obtain greater security, letters could be " recommended " posted . These registered items were entered in the postcards in the presence of the sender and a post office slip was issued for them. Commended letters cost double the postage. In the event of loss, 50 francs will be reimbursed.

Items of value up to CHF 3,000 were permitted to be carried by moving letter mail. The postage corresponded to double the postage postage after the driving post tax, but not more than 5% of the value to be sent in this way.

For packages with samples up to a maximum of ½ pound (= 256 grams = 16 loth), ⅓ of the postage fee was payable. In no case could the postage be higher than that for a simple letter of the same weight. "Beyond this weight, such paquete should be sent by the moving mail, and then pay the usual price determined by the tariff for paquete." This was in effect until October 1, 1810.

For letters from or to the Kingdom of Westphalia, up to or from the border, the inland postage was valid, unless contracts concluded or yet to be concluded with external postal administrations indicate otherwise.

For the dispatch of books, process files, groceries and used items, postage was ⅓ lower. Was limited to food and used items in good time before it came into force.

A “Royal Decree of December 22nd, 1808, by which the postage of invoices, procedural acts, etc. is determined.” Also came into force on January 1st, 1809. When using the distance progression for letters, payment had to be made (see table above).

According to Circular 78, of September 15, 1809, the reduction of one third for books and old things was only granted if the weight was over 13 pounds. The reduction consisted of charging two thirds instead of three. A few days later (December 8, 1809) books and old things over £ 13 had to be paid for every pound of 3 cents for every 4 miles.

  • z. B. Package 20 pounds, distance 30 miles: (20 pounds × 3 centimes = 60 centimes) x (30 miles / 4 miles each = 8) = 8 × 60 = 4 Fr. 80 cents.

14% or 25 cents per 100 francs and 10 miles each had to be paid for the transport of valuables with the Fahrpost. For sums under 401 francs, 1 centime postage was payable for every 10 miles for every 12.50 francs (maximum 32 cents). Valid until October 1, 1810.

When delivering items of value and parcels, a post office note was sent to the sender; he had to pay 5 cents for this return receipt.

Parcels could not weigh more than 150 pounds, cash barrels not more than 120 pounds and bags or cash boxes not more than 50 pounds.

A trip by mail car was set at 1.30 francs per mile and person. 50 pounds of luggage could be carried free of charge. In addition, every traveler had to tip the postilion 30 cents for each station and a further 30 cents as a bribe to the wagon master.

The post office clerk had to apply the most favorable tax for the post office. Private mail delivery was prohibited and was severely punished.

In the kingdom, the mail was getting worse and worse, the administration is very careless, letters were opened despite the unequivocal regulation. It is well known that in bad times the need to transmit messages is particularly great. Westphalian subjects publicly urged their foreign correspondents in newspapers not to write to them, as postage was prohibitive. Not only the domestic taxis gave cause for complaint. The postal border, connection and transit conditions were extremely complicated and required a thorough study of the regulations.

Despite the progressive postal regulations, things went slower and slower, but in the neighboring countries it was always better. The abuses continued to increase in the kingdom, the revenues decreased and this although the postage, compared to the tariffs in the neighboring countries, was doubled and tripled. The postmasters' writing was incredibly extensive. The 256 post offices had about 40,000 reports, budgets, etc. to write each year. Eight general inspectors and 27 postal inspectors were employed to monitor the postal services.

King Jerome eventually canceled all postal ordinances and, by decree of September 30, 1810, gave the postal service a new organization. The tariffs are being lowered and are still the highest in Europe. There was no visible success of these efforts until the end of the Westphalian Post.

Tariff of November 1, 1810

This decree came into effect on November 1, 1810. The regulations and the tariff of the items as well as the administration and postage exemption in the kingdom are subject to a new regulation. A general directorate was subordinate to the finance minister, subordinate were district post directors, to which a certain number of post offices, postal expeditions and post offices were subordinate. On May 19, 1811, the special sphere of activity of the district post offices was canceled again.

  • Commended letters cost twice the postage as before.
  • Samples under 30 g cost the simple postage, up to 60 g one and a half times the postage. Shipments over 60 g were subject to the letter postage when transported by letter post, and the lower parcel tax with driving mail.
  • Parcel tax, 4 miles and 1 pound (485 grams) 3 centimes, for groceries and items of no value only 2 centimes, but at least double postage.
  • Gold or gold items with a value of more than 200 francs paid 1/4 of the money tax.

Shipments with an indication of value were charged either according to the weight or money tax. The cheaper rate for the post office applies. In the event of loss, the specified value was reimbursed from the post office box.

  • Post notes for items of value were 5 cents.
  • Post advance payment (cash on delivery) could be taken at the risk of the post officer. 1. Postage as when the sum is sent by post - to the post office - 2. Procura: less than 20 francs per franc 5 centimes, over 20 francs per 4 francs 5 centimes - for the civil servant -

General regulations: The estimate should be displayed in francs and the current type of coin, as well as the weight in grams and lot. Cash barrels, bales and packages over 150 pounds, wallets and money packages over 50 pounds should not be accepted. The note for recruited letters was free. Items that have arrived “ Poste restante ” will be returned after three months. When returning items that could not be ordered, return postage was only requested for parcels.

A decree of May 18, 1811 dealt with the field post , all simple letters to NCOs and soldiers under the flag should be franked with 25 cents regardless of the distance, provided the normal postage is not lower.

On June 4, 1811, the Post's guarantee for the types of mail listed in the Postal Act of September 30, 1810 was regulated. Swiss Post is liable in full for items with the stated value. A maximum of 40 francs was reimbursed for lost goods, files, documents and other items.

See also

literature

  • "Collection of laws and regulations for the Kingdom of Westphalia", all volumes.
  • 1808 02/11. (Nro.42) Royal Decree of February 11, 1808, on the organization of posts. Cassel.
  • 1808 October 31 (No. 67) Royal Decree containing the general ordinance and tariff for the posts. Cassel, October 31st, 1808
  • 1808 Circular - Westphalen. 1808 to 1809
  • 1810 Almanac Royal de Westphalie. - Excerpt: postal system - all years
  • Conrad Müller: General regulation concerning the service of the post office . Hamburg 1811.
  • Kleinschmidt, Dr. Arthur: History of the Kingdom of Westphalia , Gotha, 1893. -Excerpt from the postal system-
  • Carroll Chase and Henry A. Meyer: "The Postal Historiy of the Kingdom of Westphalia under Napoleon, 1807-1814." 1958
  • Nicola-Peter Todorov, L'administration du royaume de Westphalie de 1807 à 1813. Le département de l'Elbe , Editions universitaires européennes, Saarbrücken, 2010, ISBN 978-613-1-54964-9 .
  • Weidlich, Prof. Dr. HA: " The stamp of the Kingdom of Westphalia " DASV.
  • Weidlich, Prof. Dr. HA: " Postcards of the Kingdom of Westphalia 1807 - 1814 ".
  • Dr.Heinsen et Leralle: " Historie Postale des Francais d'Allemange du Nord ." . 1975
  • Werner Münzberg: " The Kingdom of Westphalia , 1807-1813 ", self-published. 1982

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Todorov, Nicola-Peter, L'administration du royaume de Westphalie de 1807 à 1813. Le département de l'Elbe , Editions universitaires européennes, Saarbrücken 2010, p. 447.
  2. ↑ Ibid., P. 452 f.
  3. ↑ a b Rudi Fischer: 800 years Calvörde - a chronicle up to 1991 , excerpts from the chronicle of the post