Title:
Henry Dearborn Free Franked Envelope – Addressed to Commissioner of Loans, PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto (Encapsulated #85641652)

Description:
This is an early free franked envelope signed by Henry Dearborn, a Revolutionary War hero and later Secretary of War under President Thomas Jefferson. The envelope is addressed in a fine period hand to James Nicholson Esquire, Commissioner of Loans, New York, and boldly franked in the upper right corner with “H. Dearborn” in Dearborn’s hand.

The envelope exhibits light age toning and handling wear, with expected folds and creases. The reverse retains its original red wax seal, though partially broken, a testament to the letter’s 18th or early 19th-century origins. The piece is fully authenticated and encapsulated in a PSA/DNA holder, preserving both sides for visibility and protection.

Front reads:

James Nicholson Esquire
Commissioner of Loans
New York

(Franked at top right: “H. Dearborn”)

Historical Context:
Henry Dearborn (1751–1829) was a distinguished figure in early American military and political history. He served under George Washington during the Revolutionary War and later held key administrative roles, most notably as Secretary of War from 1801 to 1809 under Jefferson. Dearborn was a staunch Jeffersonian and played a crucial role in organizing the U.S. military during the early republic period.

The recipient, James Nicholson, was part of a prominent naval family and served in the U.S. Treasury Department as a Commissioner of Loans, a vital position responsible for managing federal debt and state bond conversions in the early 1800s. Free franking privileges—allowing certain officials to send mail without postage—were commonly used by cabinet members such as Dearborn during this era.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Certified authentic by PSA/DNA with tamper-evident encapsulation

• Certification Number: 85641652

• Label reads: "FREE FRANK / HENRY DEARBORN / PSA/DNA CERTIFIED / AUTHENTIC AUTO"

• Slabbed in archival PSA holder, preserving both autograph and envelope with visibility of the wax seal

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This free franked envelope by Henry Dearborn is a superb artifact from the formative years of the U.S. government, showcasing the practical use of cabinet-level correspondence and the historical practice of franking. With its full signature, original wax seal, and PSA authentication, this piece is a must-have for collectors of early American political history, Revolutionary War figures, or Jefferson-era governance.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.