The truth is, the original messages were written on complete pots, which are pretty heavy after ya lug 'em for 2000 miles -- delivery consisted of the carrier smashing it over the head of the addressee. Plus, the use of 6.6 foot street addresses is very recent.
“...which are pretty heavy after ya lug ‘em for 2000 miles...”
That’s why they had REALLY large lawyers back then...