Desirable full free frank, measuring 9.75 x 8 unfolded with a center panel of 5 x 3.5, boldly addressed in Jefferson's hand to "George W. Erving esquire, at Colo. Bomford's, Washington," and franked in the upper left, "free, Th: Jefferson." A docketing notation on the lower panel dates the cover to September 10, 1822. In fine condition in its folded state, with uniform toning and two vertical folds; unfolded, the frank displays blocks of toning, old mounting remnants along the bottom, and some seal-related paper loss to the lower edge. Accompanied by a color copy of the letter that this once contained, inviting Erving to visit him at Monticello. George Erving was a career American diplomat, and during Jefferson's administration had served as US Consul in London and Charge d'Affaires in Madrid. Several months prior, Erving had generously donated his personal collection of commemorative Revolutionary War medals to the National Library.
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