Description:

Franklin Benjamin 1706 - 1790

Very early framed Benjamin Franklin ALS concerning an Act of Parliament.

A handsome framed set of a single page ALS by Benjamin Franklin, 5" x 7.5". Dated "Phila April 25, 1745" and signed by Franklin as "B Franklin". The letter has light toning and creasing, else near fine. Matted in a stunning slate blue suede mat, and framed together with a lovely hand painted engraved portrait of Franklin to a finished frame size of 18.5" x 14".

In 1737, Franklin was made postmaster of Philadelphia and under his management, that town became the center of the postal system of the colonies. Besides vastly increasing the efficiency of the postal service, Franklin succeeded in making it profitable. Benjamin Franklin began his postal career as postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737 under the British Parliamentary Post. By 1753 he had been promoted as one of two Deputy Postmasters of North America along with William Hunter. Franklin and Hunter could not do anything to lower the cost of postage, but they did greatly streamline the system in hopes of discouraging people to send their letters out of the mails. Under Franklin and Hunter, the Parliamentary Post became profitable.

This letter, written as Postmaster of Philadelphia is shown in full below:

"Philad April 25, 1745

Sir

I observed in your last Bill a Letter direct to our Governor [George Thomas] was not charged. I suppose from an opinion that he pays no Postage. I write this therefore to inform you that he always pays, there being no Exception in favour of Governors in the Act of Parliament. I would also beg the favour of you to acquaint me by Line that the enclosed Pacquet is safely delivered.

I am Sir,

Your hum Serv

B Franklin"

Franklin is demonstrating the seeds of his disdain towards the privileges that were enjoyed by the British authority figures. It was his strong sense that everybody should be treated equal that led to his involvement in the Revolutionary movement.

A handsome framed set which presents extremely well.

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