Lot 665
[Post Office] John A.J. Creswell, Postmaster General 1869-74. Neat free frank on Post Office Department imprint cover to B. Perry at Flemington N.J., "Washington D.C. 'Free' Jan 15" cds; reduced at left, Very Fine, ex-Richard Graham Collection.Estimate $100 - 150.
As Postmaster General Creswell reorganized the Post Office Department, introduced penny postcards and postal telegraphs and proposed a postal savings system. Creswell proved to be one of the ablest organizers ever to head the Post Office. He cut costs while greatly expanding the number of mail routes, postal clerks and letter carriers. He introduced the penny post card and worked with Fish to revise postal treaties. He asked for the total abolition of the franking privilege since it reduced the revenue receipts by five percent.
Realized: $270