US Postal Legislation

This section contains the Acts of Congress that set or amended postal rates and service during the Civil War

Act of 27 February 1861 – See PMG implementing instructions for 1861 under “US Post Office Department”

Act of 28 February 1861 – Authorized the Postmaster General to suspend postal service.

Act of 22 July 1861 – Authorized soldiers to send letters without the prepayment of postage

Act of 21 January 1862 – Extended to sailors and marines the privilege of sending letters without prepayment of postage

Act of 3 March 1863 – See PMG implementing instructions for 1863 under “US Post Office Department”

Act of 1 July 1864 – See PMG implementing instructions for 1864 under “US Post Office Department”

Act of 3 March 1865 – See PMG implementing instructions for 1865 under “US Post Office Department”