Desirable full free frank, measuring 9.75 x 7.75 unfolded with a center panel of 4.75 x 3.25, boldly addressed in Jefferson's hand to "The Rev'd Doctor Bentley, Salem, Mass.," and franked in the upper left, "free, Th: Jefferson, Pr. US." The panel features a Washington postmark and 'Free' stamp, with lower portion retaining original wax seal. Double-matted and framed with an information plate and large portrait to an overall size of 29 x 23. In very good to fine condition, with scattered small stains, and professional repairs to the seal-related paper loss and associated tear which passes just to the right of Jefferson's signature. Reverend William Bentley (1759-1819) was an American Unitarian minister and polymath who possessed the second best library in the United States, after that of Thomas Jefferson. He served as the unofficial translator for Jefferson during his presidency and twice declined Jefferson's offers of prominent positions, first as chaplain of the United States Congress, and then as first president of the University of Virginia.
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