Albert Gallatin Superb LS Re: Marblehead & Benjamin Lincoln; With Bonus Free Frank!

A 1p letter signed by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin (1761-1849), as " -- Albert Gallatin" at lower right. Written at the Treasury Department in Washington, D.C. on November 4, 1805. Inscribed on the first page of bifold paper in a beautiful secretarial hand. The two inner pages are blank. The last page serves as an integral address leaf free franked by Gallatin as " -- Albert Gallatin" in the postage section. The address leaf is stamped with crisp philatelic markings, bears remnants of a red wax seal, and is docketed presumably by the letter recipient. Expected folds, and scattered pencil and pen marks, else clean, bright, and near fine. 7.75" x 9.75."

Secretary Gallatin dictated the following message to "Joseph Wilson Esqr. Collector Marblehead," in part:

"I have to request that you will retain in your hands a sufficient sum of the monies arising from the duties on imports and tonnage for the purpose of discharging the allowances to fishing vessels which will become due in your District on the 31st of the ensuing month…

If the funds accruing in your office should fall short of the amount acquired, you will pay the deficiency by drafts on Benjamin Lincoln, Esquire…"

Joseph Wilson (1756-1821) was a Revolutionary War veteran and sea captain. He was appointed Collector and Inspector for the District of Marblehead, Massachusetts in late August 1802, following the dismissal of his predecessor, Samuel R. Gerry, for incompetence. Wilson was recommended by one contemporary as "equal to the trust, his character good, his politicks republican." Wilson served as Collector and Inspector at Marblehead until at least 1810.

Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) served as the 1st Collector of the Port of Boston between 1789-1809. A major general in the Continental Army, Lincoln had served with distinction, personally accepting the surrender of British forces at the Battle of Yorktown in his capacity as George Washington's second-in-command. Following the Revolutionary War, Lincoln suppressed Shay's Rebellion as a Massachusetts militia commander, served as the 1st U.S. Secretary of War, and acted as John Hancock's lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.

Gallatin's instructions for Wilson to reach out to Lincoln if Marblehead ran out of ready money was based both on Boston's proximity and prominence; Boston was located just 16 miles to the southwest of Marblehead on the Massachusetts coast, and its bustling port would have guaranteed significant sums of on-hand cash.

Abraham Alphonse Albert Gallatin emigrated to the United States from Switzerland in the 1780s. Gallatin became involved in Democratic-Republican politics in the late 1790s. His adept understanding of finance propelled him into Jefferson’s cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury between 1801 and 1814.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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