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Sale 55: United States Postal History

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Free Franks - War Department

Lots 702-711 Lots 712-721 Lots 722-725

Lot 712    

[War] Tobias Lear, Accountant of War Dept. Free frank "Tobias Lear" signature as Accountant and endorsed "Dept. of War, Acct. Office" on 1815 folded cover to Samuel Hodges Jr. at Stoughton Mass., "Washn. City Oct 6" cds and matching "Free" rating handstamp, 1815 docketing, Very Fine, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

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Lot 713    

[War] Francis LeBaron, Apothecary General 1813-21. Free frank "Frans. LeBaron, US Apothy. Genl." signature on 1815 folded ALS letter addressed to Maj. Gen. Peter B. Porter, Member of Congress, Washington D.C., light strike of red "Albany Dec" cds with matching "Free" rating handstamp, light fold toning affects signature, Fine and rare frank, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

Realized: $95

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Lot 714    

[War] Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary at War - Continental Congress 1782-84. Bold free frank "B. Lincoln" signature on folded cover addressed to Governor Harrison, Virginia and endorsed "Public Service", Philadelphia "3 SE" Franklin mark and matching "Free" rating handstamp, docketed "Genl Lincolns, In respect of York Garrison, Sept 82" on flap; small erosion spot, Very Fine, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $400 - 600.

Realized: $375

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Lot 715    

[War] James McHenry, Secretary of War 1796-1800. Neat free frank "War Office, James McHenry" signature on folded ALS letter from Philadelphia to William R. Boote at New Brunswick N.J., Philadelphia "13 FE" Franklin mark and matching "Free" rating handstamp, letter in McHenry's hand concerning the procurement and enlistment of a drummer, Very Fine and scarce, ex-David T. Beals, Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $270

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Lot 716    

[War] James Monroe, Secretary of War 1814-15. Free frank "Sec. of War, Jas Monroe" signature as Secretary of War on folded cover addressed to the Governor of North Carolina at Raleigh N.C., "Washn. City Nov 23" cds and matching partial "Free" rating handstamp; edge flaws, Fine and scarce free frank, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

Realized: $425

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Lot 717    

[War] Montgomery C. Meigs, Quartermaster General. Free frank "W.C. Meigs" handstamp on on circa 1862 Quartermaster General's Office official business envelope to Lieut. Holliday of the Co J. 14th Pa. Ca. in Eire Pa., forwarded twice to Springfield Pa. and finally to Ann Arbor Mich., bearing 1861, 3¢ rose tied by target cancel and matching "North Springfield Pa. Nov 18" cds as forwarding postage; reduced slightly at right with small paper loss, Fine, A scarce forwarded use with combination of free franking and 3¢ postage.
Scott No. 65    Estimate $150 - 200.

Realized: $210

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Lot 718    

[War] Timothy Pickering, Quartermaster General of the Continental Army 1780-85. Free frank "Tim. Pickering Q.M.G." signature on 1785 folded ALS letter from Philadelphia to David Wolfe at New York City, Philadelphia "29 MR" Franklin mark and "Free" rating handstamp, endorsed "Public Service", letter datelined "Phila March 29, 1785" and in Pickering's hand "I inclosed a letter for Col. Hughes which I request you to forward by the earliest opportunity….T. Pickering, QMG", Very Fine and choice, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $300 - 400.

This position had the franking privilege until 1785 when abolished. It did not hold franking privilege until it was reorganized as the Quartermasters' Department in 1812.

Realized: $240

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Lot 719    

[War] John Pierce, Quartermaster General of the Continental Army. Free frank "Jno. Pierce QMG" signature on folded ALS letter to Oliver Walcott Jr. in Hartford Conn., straightline "N-York. Mar: 15" postmark and matching "Free" rating handstamp, letter concerns settling accounts; central file fold wear with some separation, F.-V.F., ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $150 - 200.

It seems the position of Quartermaster General was still active in early 1786 with the free frank privilege.

Realized: $290

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Lot 720    

[War] Joel R. Poinsett, Secretary of War 1837-41. Free frank "J. R. Poinsett" signature as Sec. of War on circa 1839-40 folded letter to Bedford N.H., green "Washington City D.C. Nov 16" cds with matching "Free" rating handstamp, endorsed "Department of War" and "Bounty Land Office" with additional "W. Gordon" signature as clerk of the Bounty Land Office but did not hold the franking privilege, enclosed letter not datelined, Very Fine, ex-Richard Graham Collection.
Estimate    $100 - 150.

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Lot 721    

[War] Winfield Scott, free frank "Free - Winfield Scott, Lieut. Genl." endorsement on mourning cover and addressed in his hand to Charles A. Peadbody in New Orleans, La., flap endorsed "The Genl. has written the name of the person alluded to within "Cox" instead of "Cocks", N. A."; small flap tear from opening; accompanied by CDV of General Scott, Very Fine and scarce mourning cover free frank use, ex-Turner.
Estimate    $400 - 600.

Realized: $575

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Lots 702-711 Lots 712-721 Lots 722-725

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