"Madam, I have made what Enquiry I could relative to the melancholy News you acquainted me with. I have received English Newspapers down to the Middle of February, in none of which do I find the least mention of such an Accident, and as I understand the Ship was fitted out from England, I should imagine that if the News were true, we should have had it thence. All I have learnt is, that at New York such a Report was brought by the French Pacquet lately arrived from l'Orient, but as she left that Post at the beginning of January, there is reason to hope that, the report, not being confirm'd by later Ships from England, may be without Foundation, which I sincerely wish, being with great Regard, Madam, Your most obedient and most humble Servant, B Franklin". Notation at bottom left "Mad. la Comtesse Beniousky".
Other side is a folded cover addressed to the Countess at Baltimore with ms. "2.14" rating and "II/MA" in circle, folds from cover as would be expected though remarkably well-preserved
AN EXTREMELY FINE AND RARE AUTOGRAPHED LETTER SIGNED BY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND POSTALLY USED. A WONDERFUL HISTORICAL ITEM.
Very suitable for display
EXTREMELY FINE AND CHOICE. THIS IS THE ONLY KNOWN EXAMPLE OF A FREE FRANK BY PRESIDENT WARREN G. HARDING.
No other Harding free franks are known to us, nor were any present in the Grunin, Hart, Hessel, Joyce or Stern collections. Exhibited at World Stamp Expo '89. Accompanied by copy of letter of authenticity from Robert A. Erickson