America Before Telecommunications

For centuries, letter writers have wondered whether their missives safely reach the hands of their intended recipients. "I know not whether this will ever come to your hands or miscarry," opened a typical one in 1625, from Roger White in the Netherlands, who was writing to friends at Plymouth colony.

Today, of course, we send e-mail messages that travel great distances in seconds, rather than weeks. Occasionally, however, we do not hear back and wonder whether our message was ever received. Wouldn't we be grateful if we could know with certainty?