Cheap Postage (ePub)

Joshua Leavitt (1794-1873) was an American Congregationalist minister, journalist, and renowned social reformer of the nineteenth century. An ardent advocate for the abolition of slavery, Leavitt is also recognized for his efforts in promoting cheap postage, an endeavor that found its expression in his brief treatise, 'Cheap Postage' (1848), whereby he argued for the reduction of postal rates. This text underscored the significance of affordable communication in fostering educational exchange and maintaining social bonds across the expansive United States. His advocacy contributed to the Postal Reform Act of 1851, which substantially lowered postal fees and increased accessibility to mail services. Leavitt's literary style, predominantly utilitarian and persuasive, aimed at effecting social change, reflecting his broader commitments to antislavery causes and temperance. Holding a degree from Yale and Harvard, Leavitt's scholarly demeanor was matched by his practical involvements, including editing the 'Emancipator', a leading abolitionist newspaper, and helping to found the American Temperance Union. While 'Cheap Postage' stands as a singular reference in this context, it encapsulates Leavitt's enduring legacy as an intellectual force melding Christian morality with progressive social action.