Description

Description: This folded cover from the Treasury Department has the free frank signature “A. Hamilton” at the lower left. The cover is addressed, in a secretarial hand, to “Robert Purviance Esq. Naval Office Baltimore.” It is also noted in another hand that this was received on the 23rd of June 1792.

Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) served as the first Secretary of the Treasury from 1789-1795. In that position he was permitted to send official correspondence for free by signing his name.

Robert Purviance was appointed the first Naval Officer of the port of Baltimore after the adoption of the Federal Constitution in 1789.

3 7/8″ x 5 3/8″. Item #A01915

Condition: Light wrinkling, minimal mounting residue at lower edge. None of which touches the bold and clear signature.