The rates of the Anglo-Saxon postal system at the beginning of the 19th century depended on the distance between the origin and the destination of the letter as well as the number of sheets of paper used. In fact, the fee was doubled if two sheets were used in one letter. As is often the case, different ingenious methods arose to circumvent this increase in cost, such as writing the letter on a single sheet of paper with tiny letters and taking advantage of every millimeter of space on the paper.
But more curious was the system of the «cross letter «.
First the letter was read without paying attention to the crossed lines. Then the page was turned 90 degrees and the crossed lines were continued to be read. It may seem impossible at first glance, but with a little practice it became legible and, what is better, it was possible to write on a single page what would otherwise be impossible. I would have needed several, thus achieving a notable reduction in the postage rate.
Images:earsathome and Bradfer Lawrence collection, British National Archives.
William's collaboration