Description:

Robert E. Lee
Washington, DC, December 16, [n.y.]
Fine Robert E. Lee Free Frank, Handsomely Presented!
Free Frank
An elegant franking signature of Robert E. Lee with an unusually clear paraph, accomplished on a transmittal cover addressed in another hand to "Jno. M. Wise (?), Esq. Pikesville, Md." Handstamped "Washington, Dec. 16" (n.y.) but between 1834-1837, it measures 5.75 x 3 inches (sight) and is handsomely presented with a portrait of Lee and biographical plaque in blue and white mat. Set into a carved wood frame measuring 16" x 27" and in fine condition. A superb display piece, not examined out of frame.

The cover is also franked by Elbert Herring, Chief Clerk and Commissioner of Indian Affairs, and is signed "E. Herring" in the return address portion.

Elbert Herring (1777-1876) became the first person to hold the office of Commissioner when Congress established the position in 1832. Herring was a prominent supporter of assimilation, and stressed the roles of emigration and education to be essential to the survival of the Indians. He was relieved by Andrew Jackson in July, 1836 and transferred to the position of Paymaster within the War Department. Herring left the Department later that year, and resumed his legal career in New York.

In 1834 and immediately after his role in improving the island of Rip Raps for the eventual construction of Fort Monroe, Lee was transferred to the War Department and served as aide to Chief Engineer Charles C. Patriot. He held this position until 1837 when he was transferred to St. Louis, Missouri, to improve the Mississippi River there.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 16" x 27"
  • Medium: Free Frank

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Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

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Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

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September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000