even in 1983, my first year in college, boys had a notebook and pen in the breast pocket of a jean jacket and girls always had the same in their purses. it was rare to find grown men and women in the adult world without a pen on them... paper: colonial american society likely had very limited paper manufacturing. in scotland, though, the paper industry from the early 17th century onward was massive. made some of the finest papers in the world and they still make superb stuff. the tin containers for writing tools and carrying paper and/or letters was a new idea to me. the leather port-feuille (portfolio?) for beneath one's arm or horseback also grew quite large becoming a "barrel bag", clothing, toiletries and other personal items. the way the round barrel bag could be slung over a shoulder or on the back of a horse was very convenient to travelers. an interesting and educational video. Ben franklin was the first postmaster-general of british north america and both usa and canada had stamps commemorating that in the 1970s.

Such a fascinating video about writing in the 18th and 19th century, and information on posting, sealing etc... loved this! Thank you very much for sharing this with us. 😊

Great video and thank you for sharing this amazing historic writing moments. It is a real time travel to our past history.

This is such a comprehensive video that gives a beginner introduction on letter writing and expands to more in depth topics along the way. This is super insightful and informative, even for someone not from the U.S. Much love from the Philippines!

Very very cool. Thanks so much.

I love learning these things!!! Thank you for your research and sharing it.

Such an amazing video!

Great discussion. I write handwritten letters to my kids and grandkids using old stamps.

I'm curious- are there any notable differences between 17th & 18th century letter-writing? After all, the Penny Post came in at this time- how was mail & letter-writing/ parcel-sending handled, before then?

Thanks for the video, really interesting!

@ 19:04 Thomas Jefferson’s ghost moves that chair

Thank you, very interesting

I just want the portable writing desk 😅

Great presentation. Sub'd, Thanks

23:54 About penmanship is there any widely used font or script in the 18th century in Europe and in America?

Where can I find the instruction book you showed after the info about writing and sending a letter.

Hello, I`m a fellow Creator and I`m working on a video about Steven Decatur and the letters that lead to the Duel that caused his death. I was wondering if I could get some clarification on the whole situation because to me it reads as a misunderstanding and pride? I live in North Alabama "Decatur believe it or not" if youcould get back to me that would be great. thank you

Fabulous video, but the 20th-century (drivel) music at the end was a letdown. 18th-century harpsichord music would have gone better. Thomas Jerrerson played the harpsichord. Look under “early music” to find stuff from before the 1700s.