 On 17 February 1691, a grant of "letters patent" from the joint sovereigns, William III and Mary II, empowered Thomas Neale,
"to erect, settle, and establish within the chief parts of their majesties' colonies and plantations in America, an office or offices for receiving and dispatching letters and pacquets, and to receive, send, and deliver the same under such rates and sums of money as the planters shall agree to give, and to hold and enjoy the same for the term of twenty-one years.