Lot 136
Franklin Pierce (1804-1869, 14th President 1853-57). Manuscript "Free Fr. Pierce" free frank on folded cover addressed in his hand to Asa Fowler in Concord, N.H., postmarked by green "Washington City, D.C. May 12" cds & straight line "Free" handstamp, docketed "May 12, 1840", two light vert. file folds, Very Fine, signed as a Senator.Estimate $400 - 600.
Pierce was a Congressman and Senator from New Hampshire before serving in the Mexican War. He was the Democrat's compromise candidate and not even suggested until the thirty fifth ballot. During his administration, he purchased the Gadsden territory for railroad development and signed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed states to decide whether to have slavery. After the death of his only child, he was an ineffective President and allowed the country to drift closer to civil war.
Asa Fowler (February 23, 1811 - April 26, 1885) was a New Hampshire politician, lawyer and jurist.
Realized: $525