Details
POLK, JAMES K., President. Autograph free frank ("Free J.K. Polk") as President, on envelope (letter not present) addressed in his hand to "The Hon. Ralph J. Ingersoll U.S. Minister St. Petersburgh Russia," no U.S. postmarks, black circular Aachen, Germany handstamp (smudged), small red circular London receiving stamp (dated 4 July 1848) on back, red wax seal on backflap.
Polk's presidential franks are relatively scarce. According to Hart's research on this cover, it left Washington a few days before June 20, probably in a diplomatic pouch, on the American steamship Hermann, which made regular transatlantic voyages. In London it was placed in the British mail, sent to Aaachen and from thence to Russia, collect.
Polk's presidential franks are relatively scarce. According to Hart's research on this cover, it left Washington a few days before June 20, probably in a diplomatic pouch, on the American steamship Hermann, which made regular transatlantic voyages. In London it was placed in the British mail, sent to Aaachen and from thence to Russia, collect.