Benjamin Franklin
n.p., n.d.
Ben Franklin Free Frank Signature to William Greene, PSA Slabbed
FF & Signature

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). Free frank signature, "Free / B. Franklin," with his customary paraph, on a cut of an address panel addressed to William Gree[ne], 1p, 3.125" x 2.125", no place, no date. Blank verso. Certified and encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 5.25" x 3.25". Flattened folds. Toning, foxing, and soiling. Minor loss at edges. Very good.

Benjamin Franklin maintained an extensive written dialogue with both William Greene and his wife, Catharine Ray Greene, exchanging over 200 letters from 1755 until 1790. These letters went far beyond simple pleasantries; they discussed personal matters, health updates, and deep commentary on the Revolutionary War. At lower right recto of the here offered cut there is a faint date notation, possibly from a former collector, apparently reading, "July 19, 1763." If the pencil notation is correct, it is a date which would correlate with a letter featured on the National Archives, Founders Online website, from Franklin to Greene.

The letter [not included] in full:

"Providence July 19. 1763
Dear Sir
From the very hospitable and kind Treatment we met with at your House I must think it will be agreable to you to hear that your Guests got well in before the Rain. We hope you and Mrs. Green were likewise safe at home before Night, and found all well. We all join in the most cordial Thanks and best Wishes, and shall be glad on every Occasion to hear of the Welfare of you and yours.

I beg you would present our Compliments to your good Neighbour Capt. Fry, and tell him we shall always retain a grateful Remembrance of his Civilities.

The Soreness in my Breast seems to diminish hourly. Rest and Temperance I ascribe it to chiefly, tho' the Bleeding, &c. had doubtless some Share in the Effect. We purpose setting out to go to Wrentham this Afternoon, in order to make an easy Day's Journey into Boston to morrow. Present our Respects to Mrs. Ray, and believe me, with much Esteem, Dear Sir, Your obliged, and most obedient humble Servant
B Franklin."

William Greene Jr. (1731-1809) was an American Statesman who served as the second governor of the state of Rhode Island, serving in this capacity for eight years, five of which were during the American Revolutionary War. Greene served the colony for many years as a Deputy to the General Assembly, a justice and chief justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court, and then as governor.

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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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 3.25"
  • Medium: FF & Signature

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