Lot 114
George Washington (1732-1799, 1th President 1789-97). Manuscript free frank "If by Post, free G. Washington" as private citizen on folded cover addressed in his hand to John Hopkins in Richmond (Loan Officer of the United States in the State of Virginia), docketed on reverse "Genl. Washington, March 25, 1787/Recd' Apr. 12, 1787", flap repaired & two pressed vert. file folds, Very Fine.Estimate $4,000 - 6,000.
A colonel in the French and Indian War, he resigned after his election to the House of Burgesses. Concluding that reconciliation with Britain was no longer possible, he was chosen a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. There, he was selected to lead the Continental army against the British and Hessian troops. Defeating the British in Boston, Trenton, and Princeton, he enlisted the help of France. Their combined strength forced Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. After the victory, he returned home, but was elected President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Unanimously elected President twice, his Presidency served as a role model for others. He proclaimed neutrality in the European wars, suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania, approved Jay's Treaty with England and Pinckney's Treaty with Spain, and gave a farewell address warning against political parties and foreign entanglements. He died three years later at Mount Vernon.
This is the only example seen by us of this type of free franking, "If by Post, free G. Washington".
Realized: $4,500