FRESH AND VERY FINE. A REMARKABLE GEORGE WASHINGTON FREE FRANK, ADDRESSED TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AS PRESIDENT OF THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA. THIS RARE FREE FRANKED COVER LINKS TOGETHER TWO OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FIGURES IN THE FOUNDING OF THE UNITED STATES. EXAMPLES OF CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO FIGURES ARE EXCEEDINGLY RARE OUTSIDE OF INSTITUTIONAL ARCHIVES.

Washington and Franklin had a healthy respect and admiration for one another. Franklin served as President of Pennsylvania -- today's term would be Governor -- from 1785 to 1788. According to the Mount Vernon website, in 1787, as the constitutional convention convened in Philadelphia, Franklin's home became a destination for delegates and served as a political salon, keeping Franklin in communication with most of the other members. The first thing Washington did upon arriving in Philadelphia for the convention was call upon Franklin to discuss plans for the proceedings of the convention.

Franklin was one of the few men that Washington trusted and respected enough to seek counsel and advice. Franklin held Washington in equally high regard, as noted in his description of Washington in an August 19, 1784, letter to William Strahan. Franklin explained that "An American Planter, who had never seen Europe was chosen by us to command our troops and continued during the whole War. This Man sent home to you, one after another, five of your best Generals baffled, their heads bare of laurels, disgraced even in the opinion of their employers."

In his will, Franklin bequeathed to Washington his walking stick, which was adorned with a "cap of liberty." Washington's last letter to Franklin, dated September 23, 1789, summed up their long friendship and service to the American cause: "If to be venerated for benevolence, if to be admired for talents, if to be esteemed for patriotism…can gratify the human mind, you must have the pleasing consolation to know that you did not live in vain…so long as I retain my memory, you will be recollected with respect, veneration, and affection, by your sincere friend, George Washington."

Examples of correspondence between these two important historical figures are rare outside of institutional archives. This was sent during a time when Washington was a private citizen (he was not elected president until 1787). Technically he did not hold free franking privileges, but this was sent without charge.

Ex Grunin (Image)

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Translation of letter reads: "Sir, a certain Mr. Kramer had written to me to prepare a place in my boarding house for your Grandson. I did it with pleasure, since it was your request. They arrived yesterday, April 19th, in excellent health. I know well, sir, that you trust me, and I assure you that I shall make every effort to be worthy of your confidence." The letter continues on back: "I have great regard, respect and affection for you. Please honor me with a response, sir, and send me your instructions for the education of the young man: my eagerness to follow them will prove my concern and profound respect with which I honor your being." Signed and dated April 19, 1779, at Geneva. Bold "GENEVE" handstamp and rate on address panel.

The last panel is a letter sent to Franklin at the same time by his grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache. Written in French, it is translated "My Dear Grandfather, I am taking the liberty of writing to you to inform you about my health and about my trip. During the journey we had a little trouble. I arrived in Geneva Monday and found a boarding house the following day where I shall do all this possible to satisfy you. I hope to receive an answer from you soon as possible. I am sorry I am not writing more; I would if I could. I am in rather good health and I hope you are the same. Mr. Kramer sends you his regards." Signed "Benjamin Franklin Bache".

Professionally framed in double-sided glass so that the entire contents are clearly visible.

VERY FINE DUAL LETTER TO BENJAMIN FRANKLIN IN PARIS FROM HIS 10-YEAR OLD GRANDSON AND NAMESAKE, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BACHE, AND FROM THE PROPRIETOR OF A BOARDING HOUSE IN SWITZERLAND WHERE YOUNG BENJAMIN WAS STAYING WHILE ABROAD.

According to The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Franklin Bache was accompanied to Geneva by Philibert Cramer, a diplomat and brother of the publisher Voltaire. Franklin's nephew was enrolled at the Academy, which was founded by Calvin in 1559. This is Bache's first letter to his grandfather after arriving in Geneva. He would have been ten years old at the time this letter was sent.

Described in The Papers of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 29 on p. 342 (Image)

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VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A HIGHLY DESIRABLE FORM OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S FREE FRANK WITH THE "B. FREE FRANKLIN" SYNTAX. THIS MAIL WAS SENT TO HIS WIFE FROM ENGLAND AND CARRIED FREE OF PACKET CHARGES AND INTERNAL POSTAGE.

This was most likely mailed in 1772, during Franklin's residence in London. We offered a similar example in our 2004 auction of the Dr. Robertson collection.

Ex Stevens. With 1992 Charles Hamilton certificate. (Image)

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VERY FINE APPEARANCE. A DESIRABLE EXAMPLE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S FREE FRANK ON A COVER TO ONE OF HIS DEAREST FRIENDS, CATHARINE RAY.

According to the digitized correspondence between the two parties, available at http://archive.org/stream/benjaminfranklin1949fran/benjaminfranklin1949fran_djvu.txt , Benjamin Franklin and Catharine Ray maintained a correspondence from 1755 through 1789, starting after they first met in Boston around 1754. Catharine married William Greene in 1758; therefore, the address to "Miss Katharine Ray" on this cover dates it to 1755-1757, when Franklin was Deputy Postmaster of the British colonial postal system in America. During the 35 years Franklin and Catharine were friends, they saw each other on just five occasions. Catharine's sister, Judith, was the daughter-in-law of John Franklin (Benjamin's brother), and Catharine was also a close friend of Benjamin's favorite sister, Jane (Mecom). When Boston was under siege in the spring of 1775, Jane fled and took refuge with Catharine at the Greenes' residence on Rhode Island. The Greenes were also guardians of their niece, Catharine Littlefield, who married famed Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene in July 1774. (Image)

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