Lot
1159 
[War] Gideon Granger, free frank "free Granger pmg." signature on 1803 folded cover to Boston Mass., manuscript "War Department" endorsement, reddish "Washn. City Jul 30" cds with matching "Free" rating handstamp,docketing indicates original letter from Henry Dearborn July 29th 1803, repaired paper loss top center, F.-V.F., ex-Richard Graham Collection. Estimate $200 - 300.
Under the Act of Congress approved March 2nd 1799, the "Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, Secretary of the Navy and the Postmaster General may frank letters or packets on official business, prepared by any other public office, in the absence of the principal." Granger served as Postmaster General from 1801 until 1814 under Jefferson and Madison, and it was the only post he held with the franking privilege.
Realized: $180