Postmaster

or Deputy Postmaster, is an officer of the United States appointed by the postmaster general to hold his office during the pleasure of the former. Before entering on the duties of his office, he is required to give bond with surety to be approved by the postmaster general.

Act of 3d March, 1825, s. 3.

— Every postmaster ts required to keep an office in the place for which he may be appointed; and it is his duty to receive and forward by mail, without delay, all letters, papers, and packets as directed;

— to receive the mails and deliver, at all reasonable hours, all letters, papers and packets to the persons entitled commission on the postage by him collected,,as shall be adequate to his services and expenses; provided his commission shall not exceed the following several rates on the amount received in one quarter, viz. on a sum not exceeding one hundred dollars, thirty per cent.; on any sum over and above the first hundred dollars, and not exceeding four hundred dollars, twenty-five per cent.

On any sum over and above the first four hundred, and not exceeding two thousand four hundred dollars, twenty per cent. On any sum over and above the first two thousand four hundred dollars, eight per cent. Besides these commissions, postmasters employed in receiving and despatching foreign mails, are allowed an extra compensation. But whenever the annual emoluments of any postmaster, after deducting therefrom the necessary expenditures incidental to his office, shall amount to more than two thousand dollars, the surplus shall be accounted for, Act of 3d March, 1825, s.

41.

Although not subject to all the responsibilities of a common carrier, yet, a postmaster is liable for all losses and injuries occasioned by his own default in office.

3 Wils. Rep. 443; Cowp. 754; 5 Burr. 2709; 1 Bell’s Com. 468; 2 Kent, Com. 474; Story on Bailm. § 463.

Whether a postmaster is liable for the acts of his clerks or servants seems not to be settled.

1 Bell’s Com. 468, 9.

Vide Frank; Post Office. —