Pedro da Silva (post courier) Plays Key Role in Nouvelle-France

Pedro da Silva, a post courier, played a crucial role in Nouvelle-France. He was the first post courier in Canada, which was a significant position at the time.

Da Silva's appointment as post courier in 1667 marked the beginning of a formal postal system in the region. He was responsible for delivering mail between Montreal and Quebec City.

Da Silva's work had a lasting impact on the development of communication in Nouvelle-France.

Pedro da Silva was baptized in the St. Julian Church in Lisbon, Portugal.

He left Portugal around 1673 and later married, having 14 children with his wife.

Pedro da Silva worked as a common post carrier in Beauport, Quebec, according to a 1681 census.

He then moved to Sault-au-mattlot in Quebec City and became involved with shipping goods.

Pedro da Silva earned a reputation as an honest worker in transporting goods, packages, and letters.

In harsh conditions, he offered his services in all seasons.

In 1693, he received 20 Sols to take a package of letters from Montréal to Quebec City.

This payment was equivalent to the British pound.

On December 23rd, 1705, Pedro da Silva was declared the "FIRST COURIER" in Canada by Jaecques Raudot, Independant of New France.

He was granted permission to carry letters to and from private persons due to his observant, punctual, diligent, and loyal nature.

Pedro da Silva was the regular messenger of goods and official mail for the Governor General of New France between Quebec City and Trois-Rivieres or Montreal.

A commemorative stamp was unveiled on June 6th, 2003, to honor Pedro da Silva and the 50th Anniversary of the official arrival of the first Portuguese Immigrants.

The stamp was designed by artist Clermont Malenfant and featured a 48¢ domestic commemorative design.

Take a look at this: What Is First Class Post

Pedro da Silva's role in Nouvelle-France was that of a common carrier, working in Beauport, Quebec, where he was listed in the 1681 census.

He later moved to Sault-au-Matelot in Quebec City's lower town, where he became involved in shipping goods due to his proximity to the St. Lawrence River.

Da Silva's reputation as an honest worker earned him the privilege of being a regular messenger of goods and official mail for the Governor General of New France.

His services included delivering letters and packages in all seasons, even the harshest winters, which impressed his clients.

Da Silva was commissioned as the "First Courier" in Canada in 1705 by Jacques Raudot, Intendant of New France.

He also received permission to carry letters from private persons to their addresses and bring back replies.

Da Silva's punctuality, diligence, and loyalty were key factors in earning him this prestigious title.

His maritime knowledge and experience likely came from studying at the navigation school in Sagres, Algarve, which was established by King Henry, "the Navigator".

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