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1800s War Department Free Frank Signed Covers

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Post-Revolutionary War to Civil War

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Early 1800s War Department Free Frank Signed Covers

c. 1800-1840s, Lot of 6 Free Franked Covers, Mostly Connected with the War Department, Very Fine to Extremely Fine.
This lot consists of 6 stampless covers from the early 1800's, 5 of which have Free Frank signatures in connection with War Department business, and contain no letter. One cover is signed by Joel R. Poinsett, as Secretary of War (1837-1841). Another is by Colonel George Bomford as head of the Ordinance Department (1832-1848) and also by Carey A. Harris as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. A third cover, signed by William Simmons as the first Accountant of the War Department, was mailed in 1802, based on the letter, which is now missing. Two other envelopes date from the 1840's and have unidentifiable Free Frank signatures. The final item is a letter dated October 30, 1817, with its integral address page, Free Franked by a Collector of Revenue, concerning a lawsuit against a tax collector to collect public money. All these covers are in very nice condition, most with nice, clear postal markings. From the Dr. John Robertson Collection and Exhibit of American Stampless Covers, with the original exhibit pages. (6 envelopes plus display pages).

Joel Robert Poinsett (1779-1851) was Secretary of War under President Martin Van Buren, during 1837-1841. He introduced the Poinsetta plant to America, which was named in his honor. George Bomford (1780-1848) worked to develop artillery for the U.S. Army, inventing a new type of howitzer.

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