Quickly, easily, by e-mail, fax and phone -- in a variety of ways -- we communicate with distant friends, family and associates, and we think nothing of it. Canadians in the past knew a very different world. Over long distances, in all sorts of weather and amidst the dangers of war, pirates and myriad other hazards, the growing colony of Canada was entirely dependent upon letters to communicate news, commerce, loneliness or desire. To carry each letter...