American statesman and politician (circa 1755–1804) who coauthored the Federalist Papers and served as the first secretary of the treasury. In July 1804, sitting vice president Aaron Burr, stung by a published criticism authored by Hamilton, challenged the esteemed statesman to a duel and fatally wounded him. Franking signature, “A. Hamilton,” on a 5.5 x 3 (panel size) postal cover addressed in another hand to Major John Adlum in Reading, Pennsylvania, and bearing “New York, August 27” and “PAID” postmarks; a notation in another hand identifies the dispatch as “on public service” (i.e., qualifying for the franking privilege). Archivally triple suede matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Hamilton, to an overall size of 19 x 13. Adlum (1759–1836), who served as a major in the Provisional Army during the Revolutionary War and eventually rose to the rank of brigadier general in the Pennsylvania militia, later pioneered the cultivation of wine grapes in America, aided in part by correspondence with amateur viticulturist Thomas Jefferson. In very good condition, with vertical folds (one just touching “n”), a touch of very subtle handling wear, toning and soiling, and seal-related tears and losses to flaps (away from address panel). JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
