2005 Rarities of the World, Part One

FINE APPEARING EXAMPLE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S FREE FRANK AS POSTMASTER GENERAL FOR THE AMERICAN COLONIES.

The Reverend Clapp was president of what is now Yale University until 1766. In 1753, Franklin was appointed Deputy Postmaster General for the Colonies in America.

Signed Charles Hamilton. Last offered in our Sale 646, May 1985. (Image)

VERY FINE. AN IMPORTANT AND EXTREMELY RARE WAR-PERIOD FREE FRANK FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON, ADDRESSED ENTIRELY IN HIS HAND TO THOMAS JEFFERSON. ONE OF THE RAREST AND MOST DESIRABLE FREE FRANKS BETWEEN FOUNDING FATHERS.

The contents of this cover (not included) are known, which read: "Head Quarters, New Windsor, December 10, 1780. Sir: The specific supplies required of your State, by the Act of Congress of the 4th of last Month, being all allotted to the use of the southern Army, I must beg leave to refer your Excellency to Major General Greene or Officer commanding in that department for the places of deposit. These, by the Resolve, are left to my determination, but as the commanding Officer to the southward will be so much better enabled to judge of the proper places, from circumstances, I hope your Excellency will think I am justifiable in referring the matter to him. I have the honors &c." (Image)

VERY FINE. AN IMPORTANT AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED AND FREE FRANKED BY ANDREW JACKSON, IN WHICH HE DISCUSSES HIS PERSONAL VIEWS ON THE PANIC OF 1837 AND HOW REGULATIONS SHOULD BE CHANGED.

This fascinating letter reads (in full):

"Your kind favor of the 29th ultimo came to hand whilst I was confined to my bed with a severe case of fever, was laid by, and never brought to my view until yesterday, which is the only apology for my not acknowledging it sooner -- I was seriously attack'd from which I am slowly recovering -- have not been out of the House for three weeks.

"I am happy to find you put a just construction upon my views as to the merchants deal -- When a class of men or politicians are [sic] spoken of, it is always the majority, & the minority are [sic] he exception -- or instance where Banks violate their charter by over issues, it can only be the majority of directors that are [sic] censurable who rule the board, not the minority whose voice are [sic] against it. But good will grow out of the evils that have swept over our country -- banks will be brought to conduct their business within proper banking principles -- the government being separated from all Banks will be a godsend to the Banks, as well as the people. The great evil to both are [sic], any connection with either, and the most experienced, and talented directors of our Banks, here, are in favor of the perpetual divorce of all Banks and the Government -- This will give stability to the banks and the influx of specie by the revenue which is daily receiving & daily disbursing will give a sufficient metalic [sic] correction for the wants of labour, and the stability and security of the Banks, whilst they are left free to supply the wants of commerce founded upon the just principles of credit, whilst it will prevent over issues to wild speculators -- the bane of all countries." The remainder of the letter (five paragraphs) discusses their business relating to selling bales of cotton.

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, held that office from 1829 to 1837. As the nation struggled under the Panic of 1837, Whig politicians increasingly charged that Jackson's anti-Bank policies were the cause of the panic. In fact, Jackson's destruction of the Second Bank of the United States left the federal government with no means to regulate the state banks. Excessive issues of paper money above available specie reserves by the state banks had largely contributed to the collapse. This letter was written as ex-President from his home at the Hermitage in Tennessee. His health, both during and after his presidency, was often poor, as is indicated by the contents of this letter. (Image)

VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED BY ANDREW JACKSON, DEFENDING THE POSTMASTER AND COMMENTING ON THE STATE OF EXPANSION OF THE POST OFFICE.

The Postmaster General under Jackson at this time was Amos Kendall. He remained Postmaster General into Van Buren's presidency as well. He improved accounting procedures, and extended the railroad mail service. (Image)

VERY FINE. A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE TWO SIGNATURES OF WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON -- ONE AS A FREE FRANK AND ONE ON A MILITARY LETTER IN HIS HAND.

Only two free franks are recorded during Harrison's term as President, as he died approximately one month after taking office. Harrison's military endorsement is a desirable form of his "free frank". (Image)

VERY FINE. A RARE FREE FRANK OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

At this time Lincoln had been President for a little over five months. The addressee, David Davis, who later became Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court (1862–77), presided over the eighth judicial circuit in Illinois, where Lincoln practiced law. Judge Davis was a close friend and political ally of Lincoln. He successfully managed Lincoln's campaign to secure the Republican nomination for president in the 1860 campaign. (Image)

FRESH AND VERY FINE. A RARE MOURNING COVER FREE FRANKED BY MARY TODD LINCOLN, WIDOW OF THE MARTYRED PRESIDENT.

In May 1865, Mary Todd Lincoln and her sons, Robert and Tad, left Washington D.C. for Chicago, where they resided until leaving for Europe in 1868. During this difficult time, Mary attempted without success to sell her clothing through merchants in New York City. The addressee, David Davis, was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1862-77). The style of Chicago postmark points to a date of mailing in 1866 or 1867. (Image)