In Searight v. Stokes (1845) 44 U.S. 151, the Supreme Court held that where it reasonably appeared that the United States government had an agreement with a state that the United States mail could pass free over a road through a state, the state could not burden the vehicle used to transport the mail with a toll charge even though it carried passengers in addition to mail. The Supreme Court, speaking through Chief Justice Taney, said: "The United States have unquestionably a property in the mails. They are not mere common carriers, but a government, performing a high official duty in holding and guarding its own property as well as that of its citizens committed to its care; for a very large portion of the letters and packages conveyed on this road, especially during the session of Congress, consists of communications to or from the officers of the executive department, or members of the Legislature, on public service or in relation to matter of public concern."