Description:

Tyler (President) John 1790 - 1862

President John Tyler free frank to brother-in-law Alexander Gardiner two weeks before leaving White House.

Cream envelope with autographed free frank, signed by 10th U.S. President John Tyler (1790-1862) as "J. Tyler" in upper right corner. Bearing a dramatic black wax seal partially impressed "J.T." verso. A red stamped philatelic marking from "Washington City, DC" dated February 14 appears in upper left corner; also inscribed "Feb. 1845" by a different hand to the left of it. Envelope is addressed to Tyler's brother-in-law "Alexander Gardiner, Esq., 43 La Fayette Place, New York City". Tyler's signature is bold and underlined by a stylized "S" shaped flourish below. A minor stain affects the "J" and "T" of the signature. Envelope is in very good condition with expected weathering, edge and corner wear, and isolated grubbiness, measuring 5.75" x 3.5". Envelope flap is partly torn verso and wax seal has left a discolored mark recto center.

In mid-February 1845, John Tyler was facing the end of a presidential term assumed following the death of his running mate 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841). He had only about two weeks left in office when he signed this free franked envelope to brother-in-law Alexander Gardiner (1818-1851). Tyler had married Alexander's younger sister Julia (1820-1889) just eight months before in June 1844. "His Accidency", as Tyler was sometimes known, and his 24-year-old bride returned to the White House after their secret marriage in New York. Julia Tyler was installed as "Lady Presidenteress" for less than one year, but she took advantage of her position by instituting new executive rules and customs.

Alexander Gardiner served as a U.S. Commissioner and Clerk of the U.S. Circuit Court's southern district comprising New York City and Westchester County between 1845 and 1851. Before his death at age 34 from "bilious cholic", Gardiner famously reviewed the first legal case presented in U.S. courts following the passage of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act.

Tyler self-identified with many strict constructionists and states' rights Southerners, alliances which deepened sectionalism prior to the Civil War. The Tylers retreated to their eastern Virginian plantation Sherwood Forest after his presidential term ended.

Free franking, or the ability to send mail free from postage, was instituted in the late eighteenth century. The privilege has been alternately granted, rescinded, expanded, and restricted over the last two hundred years. Traditionally, Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Congressmen like Pennsylvania Senator James Buchanan, as well as former office holders and occasionally their spouses and relatives, held free franking privileges.

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