Ten Years Among the Mail Bags Or, Notes from the Diary of a Special Agent of the Post-Office Department

"Ten Years Among the Mail Bags" by James Holbrook is a chronicle of the author's decade-long career as a Special Agent for the U.S. Post-Office Department. Set in the 1800s, the narratives explore the widespread dishonesty affecting the postal system, with Holbrook investigating mail thefts and their devastating effects on communities. The early chapters focus on a series of thefts impacting students who rely on mail for tuition, prompting an investigation from the Postmaster General. Holbrook's work reveals the culpability of a once-trusted postmaster, requiring him to gather evidence while facing the ethical dilemmas of rooting out corruption. The book blends elements of mystery and moral reflection, casting light on the temptations and societal consequences of postal crimes.