Description
Excessively rare full free frank, measuring 9.75 x 7.75 unfolded, with an address panel of 5.5 x 3, addressed in another hand to “John Wickham Esq, Richmond Va,” and franked in the upper right, “Free, David Crockett.” A docketing notation in another hand on the lower panel reads: “David Crockett, 6th July 1829, rec’d 14th will write as requested within letter to Col. Lambert.” Vertical folds to center and left edge of address panel (signature unaffected), a tear to the upper left extending slightly into the address panel, and some mild toning, otherwise fine condition.
Crockett had recently begun his second term in the House of Representatives as one of Tennessee's congressman, during which he stood in staunch opposition against President Andrew Jackson's policies of Indian Removal—a stance that would cost Crockett reelection in 1831. His correspondent is most likely the lawyer John Wickham, one of the few Loyalists to rise to prominence following the American Revolution. He was a close friend of Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, and served as lead counsel for Aaron Burr in his trial for treason. An exceedingly rare format—full, pristine Crockett free franks such as this are seldom offered. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
Terms and abbreviations used in our descriptions.
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