Washington, George

Autograph address leaf (8 7/8 x 7 1/4 in.; 223 x 185 mm; watermarked posthorn | C & I Honig) detached from a letter [Mount Vernon, 8 May 1788], signed with a bold free frank ("Free Go: Washington"), the cover addressed by Washington to James McHenry, Esqr., Baltimore, bearing the straightline handstamp postmark alex may 9, neat and lengthy reception docket ("G. Washington | May 8th 1788 | Pease expected. Monsr. Campions | occupation in Baltimore?"); seal tear.

Louis Grunin (Siegel, 5 May 1993, lot 37)

Autograph address leaf (8 7/8 x 7 1/4 in.; 223 x 185 mm; watermarked posthorn | C & I Honig) detached from a letter [Mount Vernon, 8 May 1788], signed with a bold free frank ("Free Go: Washington"), the cover addressed by Washington to James McHenry, Esqr., Baltimore, bearing the straightline handstamp postmark alex may 9, neat and lengthy reception docket ("G. Washington | May 8th 1788 | Pease expected. Monsr. Campions | occupation in Baltimore?"); seal tear.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Washington had official franking privileges both as commander in chief of the Continental Army and as President. While a private citizen between his tenancy of those two offices, Washington continued to frank some of his mail, although he had no authorization to do so—and the post office continued to honor this dispensation.

The present cover derives from a letter Washington sent to James McHenry, who served as a Maryland delegate to the Constitutional Convention presided over by Washington the previous summer. Washington's letter concerns mostly agricultutral matters, but does congratulate McHenry on Maryland's ratification of the Constitution (Writings, ed. Fitzpatrick, 29:494–95). The original letter was sold at Smythe, 21 March 1996, lot 1.