a loose letter handed to an official mail carrier (stage, horseback, boat or railroad) in the absence of a <#rtagent=route agent>. A way letter could not be added to sacks of mail being transported because they were locked and the mail carrier did not have a key to them. The way letter was delivered to the first post office reached for dispatch to its destination. A fee was charged for this service. The word “Way” was written or stamped on such letters as an accounting device.