Lot 68
Fillmore Millard 1800 - 1874 Millard Fillmore Presidential Free Frank
Address Panel Free Franked "M. Fillmore" as President, 5" x 3". Circular "Washington, D.C. FREE 25 Nov" postmark [1852]. Addressed in another hand to "James W. Hale, Esq., / New York City / N.Y." Minor flaws at upper edge, mended by glassine on verso. Very Good condition.
Millard Fillmore would frank his presidential mail as "M. Fillmore" and the Washington, D.C., postmark with just month and day with no year, would include the word "Free." This exact form of "Washington, D.C. Free" postmark is identified in Volume I of David G Phillips America's Stampless Cover Catalogue (1987) as being in use only in 1852 and 1853, hence, the free frank here offered was postmarked on November 25, 1852.
James W. Hale (1801-1892), was the founder of Hale & Company, which openly advertised letter-mail service in competition with the U.S. government post office. It was the country's largest independent mail operation. Hale was an experienced express man who had offered a variety of mail-forwarding services before starting his letter express. On December 2, 1852, President Fillmore answered James W. Hale's November 26th letter (a day after this free frank is postmarked), in part, "After the most mature reflection, I have concluded that you had better give me the whole particulars as to the fraud to which you refer, as well to prevent suspicions of the innocent as to put me on my guard as the guilty. Whatever I may do your name will be kept a secret." A letter from the President concerning Hales's accusations most likely was sent under the free frank here offered.
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