Sale 55: United States Postal History

Lot 684    

[State] Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State 1795-1800. Free frank "Free, T. Pickering" as Secretary of State on 1795 printed form signed "Timothy Pickering" requesting a statement of all private armed vessels to which the President's commissions had been issued, light strikes of magenta "Phi Pa Jan 11" cds and matching "Free" rating handstamp, addressed to Collector of Customs in Alexandria Va., light tone spot; F.-V.F., ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $450

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Lot 685    

[State] William H. Seward, free frank signature on cover to Sangerties N.Y., large "Washington D.C. 'Free' Mar 17" cds; light soiling and small part of flap missing, tiny edge tear, F.-V.F.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Lincoln's Secretary of State, was stabbed by and accomplice of Booth's, Lewis Payne, and as a result of his injuries precluded him thereafter from using a pen.

Realized: $130

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Lot 686    

[State] William H. Seward, Secretary of State 1861-69. Free frank "William H Seward" as Sec. of State on cover with printed "Department of State" imprint addressed to Frances A. Seward in Auburn N.Y., "Washington D.C. Free '64" cds, reverse with Dept. of State wax seal; couple small top edge tears, F.-V.F., ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $210

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Lot 687    

[State] Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of State 1843-44. Free frank "A.P. Upshur" on cover endorsed "Department of State" and addressed to Brantz Mayer, Baltimore Md., red "Washington Sep 6" cds and "Free" rating handstamp, wax seal on back, Extremely Fine and choice, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $190

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Lot 688    

[State] Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State 1829-31. Free frank "M. Van Buren" as Sec. of State on light blue folded cover endorsed "Department of State" and addressed to Joseph Story, Judge of the Supreme Court U.S. in Salem Mass., red "Washn. City. May 19" cds and matching "Free" rating handstamp; Very Fine, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

Realized: $350

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Lot 689    

[State] Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State 1829-31. Free frank "M. Van Buren" as Sec. of State on folded cover endorsed "Department of State" and addressed to the Marshal of the U.S. for the Dist. of Connecticut, New Haven or Groton Ct., red "City of Washington May 18" cds and matching "Free" rating handstamp, edge faults and separating; original enclosed 14th May 1830 part-printed circular for "Blanks (No. 4)" being sent and signed by "Wm. Coventry H. Wenddell, Agent", separated at folds, Fine, a scarce early census department mailing, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $200 - 300.

The Federal Census, conducted every ten years to provide an update on population and representation in Congress, was originally held under the State Department auspices. In the early procedure, the U.S. Marshals in each district handled the work and sent in the results, with but six questions being asked in the first census in 1790. Under State Department supervision, the only special appointment was that of a "Supervising Clerk" for the census of 1840, William A. Weaver, who did not have the franking privilege. In 1830, Sec. of State van Buren was the only person in the State Dept. with the franking privilege and thus had to frank all census mail.

Realized: $250

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