Free franked address panel, 5 x 3.25, addressed by Madison to "Mr. Featherstonhaugh, Duanesburgh, New York," and franked in the upper right, “Free, James Madison." In very good to fine condition, with mottled toning, and slightly rough edges. Encapsulated and graded by PSA/DNA as "MINT 9." The recipient is likely George William Featherstonhaugh (1780-1866) who organized for the state of New York its first Board of Agriculture, obtained the charter in 1826 for the construction of the Mohawk and Hudson Railway Company, the first steam railway for passengers in the United States, and, in 1834 he acted as the first United States Geologist.
