Ship captains used to advertise in the local newspaper to come pick up mail prior to Pony Express.

Before there were mail carriers the Captain of a ship would post advertisements notifying people that they had Letters or packages to pick up. They then had to go to where ever the captain specified and pick up and pay for the letter or package.

It wasn't until July 1, 1847 when the first postage stamps were used. Sometimes the letters were paid for by the sender and the receiver depending on how the captain of the ship seen fit.