Lot 206
Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790), Pennsylvania signer of the Declaration of Independence, inventor, philosopher, physicist, printer, diplomat. Autograph Letter Signed, one page, 8 x 9¾ Philadelphia, April 27, 1789. To his sister Jane, "Mrs. Mecom", in Boston, in full:
"Dear Sister, I have receiv’d your kind letter of the 2.d Instant. I wish you would also acknowledge, when you write, the receipt of those that have come to your hands since you wrote last. By that means I should have the satisfaction of knowing that they have not miscarried. You mention nothing of a letter from me dated Feb. 22. which went by the Post. As you had inform’d me the Books did not sell and I feared the long and severe Winter straitned [sic] you towards the end, I desired you to draw on me for Forty Dollars. No such bill having appeared, I apprehend you may not have receiv’d the letter. I send enclosed the Copy of it taken in the Press, and desire you still to draw if you have occasion. I wrote about the same time to our friend Mrs Greene [Catharine Greene, widow of Nathaniel Greene] a long letter, I wish she may have receiv’d it. I never see your Newspapers, so know not what you mean by Laco whom you mention. My love to your daughter & to my great grand Niece. What age is she? I am ever your affectionate Brother B. Franklin"
With integral address leaf in Franklin’s hand postmarked "N. York Apr. 29" straightline and manuscript "2/6" rate. Some reinforcing of small tears along right edge and some staining that is most noticeable on the address leaf, where there is also a small piece of blank margin torn out by the wax seal. Very Good condition overall.
Estimate 15,000 - 20,000
AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE AND DESIRABLE FRANKLIN HOLOGRAPHIC LETTER.
Expertization: Charles Hamilton Certificate of Authenticity.
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| Realized $35,000 |
