Winter Auction 2016 Closing January 30th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2016
George Washington (1732–1799) so characterized the indomitable American will to pursue liberty and secure a free nation that the citizenry elected him to be the first President of the United States on April 30, 1789. Washington's presidency effectively cast the mold for what the unique position should be. For his selfless devotion and service to this nation, Washington has forever been hailed as, "The Father of Our Country." Presented here is a highly desirable free frank featuring Washington’s handwriting, dated to within a month of his taking office. On a folded-paper envelope addressed to, "Mr. Mathew Carey – Philadelphia," and featuring “Gen. Washington,” and the dateline “New York, May 21, 1789,” all written in an unknown hand, Washington himself has personally inscribed “President U.S.” in the bottom left. Additionally, the paper's address area displays a customary notation to secure free postage at the top right. After the passage of more than two centuries, the original black fountain pen ink in the inscription has assumed a still-vivid and distinct, vintage brownish hue. Washington's gently flowing inscription presents beautifully against the lightly toned envelope, which exhibits red wax sealing and routine mailing folds. The recipient, Mathew Carey (1760-1839), was a Philadelphia-based, Irish-American author, publisher and economist who knew Washington through Ben Franklin's time as overseas ambassador representing American Revolutionary forces. Framed and double-matted, along with a Gilbert Stuart color portrait likeness of our nation's great leader, the letter is encased in a museum-quality assembly measuring 29" x 19" in total dimensions.