10c Black (2). Three large margins, full to in at top, tied by blue "Milwaukee Wis. Feb. 28" (1849) circular datestamp and three criss-crossing strikes of matching "FREE" handstamp on blue Office of the Milwaukee Sentinel and Gazette folded letter to "Hon. O. Cole M.C., Washington D.C.", two-page autograph letter signed by Rufus King, discusses incoming Presidential administration (Zachary Taylor) and how quickly new appointments should be made, faint vertical file fold

VERY FINE. A RARE AND BEAUTIFUL USE OF THE 10-CENT 1847 ISSUE, CANCELLED BY MULTIPLE STRIKES OF A BLUE "FREE" HANDSTAMP. THE ONLY RECORDED USE OF THE MILWAUKEE "FREE" HANDSTAMP ON AN 1847 COVER.

This cover could have been sent free of charge to a member of Congress, so the 10c 1847 stamp was not necessary. It may have been affixed by the sender to ensure that the letter, with its important message, would not be treated as unpaid by the post office.

Ex Dr. Robertson and Mirsky.

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