Lot
3001 
Benjamin Franklin, folded cover addressed to "Dr. Franklin, Craven Street in the Strand, London", Edinburgh "IA 30" backstamp and manuscript "6" pence due rating, London "3/FE" Bishop mark arrival backstamp, rating crossed out and sent free of charge with red London "Free" in circle handstamp, manuscript receipt docketing "Dr. Robertson 1770" on flap (almost certainly in Franklin's own hand); reinforced with some aging and wear, F.-V.F., ex-Dr. Robertson. Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
A RARE 1770 FREE USE TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FROM EDINBURGH TO LONDON.
This cover was sent from the President Dr. William Robertson of Edinburgh College to Franklin during his term as Deputy Postmaster General, which allowed him to send and receive mail free of charge.
William Robertson (1721-1793) was a Scottish historian, minister in the Church of Scotland, and Principal of the University of Edinburgh. The thirty years he presided over the college were some of its greatest. He made significant contributions to the writing of Scottish history and the history of Spain and Spanish America. He was Chaplain of Stirling Castle and one of the King's Chaplains in Scotland.
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