Title: James Madison Free Frank as Secretary of State to New Hampshire Governor – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Autograph

Description:
Offered here is a historic free franked address panel signed by James Madison while serving as U.S. Secretary of State. The front of the folded cover bears Madison’s elegant signature in brown ink, penned as "James Madison", above the printed designation "Department of State". It is addressed to His Excellency John T. Gilman, then Governor of New Hampshire, in Exeter. The panel also includes postal markings and the handwritten designation “Secretary of State” along the left margin, confirming its official government use.

The reverse bears the handwritten note:
“Letter from the Secretary of State of the United States”, which remains fully visible within the PSA slab. This early American government correspondence artifact has been authenticated, slabbed, and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with certification number 85509846.

Historical Context:
James Madison (1751–1836), revered as the “Father of the Constitution,” served as Secretary of State under President Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1809, before ascending to the presidency himself in 1809. His tenure as Secretary was marked by pivotal events including the Louisiana Purchase and mounting tensions that would eventually lead to the War of 1812. This addressed and signed free frank likely dates from that critical pre-war period and exemplifies the communication between federal and state leaders in the early republic.

The recipient, John Taylor Gilman, was a prominent Federalist who served multiple terms as Governor of New Hampshire. Correspondence between such key figures provides insight into the political discourse and administrative processes of early American governance.

Authentication & Encapsulation:

• Certified by: PSA/DNA

• Certification Number: 85509846

• Label Details: "FREE FRANK – JAMES MADISON – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTHENTIC AUTO"

• Encapsulation: Safely housed in a tamper-evident PSA holder preserving the integrity and legibility of this 18th–19th century historical document.

Closing Appeal:
This PSA/DNA-certified free franked panel bearing the signature of James Madison during his service as Secretary of State is a rare and significant relic from the formative years of the United States. It bridges the personal autograph of a Founding Father with official government correspondence and is ideal for collectors of presidential memorabilia, early American postal history, and foundational documents of the republic.