A written message delivered to a messenger on horseback travelled significantly faster than a message carried by a messenger on foot. In cases of great haste, correspondence was marked “Cito, Cito, Citissime” (Latin for Fast, Fast, Fastest). A few centuries ago, a horseman in the service of the post office throughout Europe was called a postilion (from French postillon). He was adorned with an official postal uniform prescribed by special provisions, a specially shaped cap and high sturdy riding boots. A postilion was recognizable to everyone by the postal horn he wore slung over his shoulder and by which he announced his arrival at the destination as needed.
