Lot 44

Thomas Jefferson PSA Mint 9 Free Frank to War of 1812 Captain, JSA LOA

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Thomas Jefferson PSA Mint 9 Free Frank to War of 1812 Captain, JSA LOA

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,000

Current Bid: $3,750

(9 Bids)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

Thomas Jefferson
Milton, VA, March 21, [1815]
Thomas Jefferson PSA Mint 9 Free Frank to War of 1812 Captain, JSA LOA
Free Frank

A free franked mailing leaf signed by the former President, "Th: Jefferson", in bold dip pen. 1p, measuring 5" x 3.25", Milton, VA, March 21, [1815]. Marked "Free" in the upper left and hand-addressed by him to Captain Bernard Peyton of Richmond. Additional forwarding information written in a separate hand, with secretarial docketing on verso reading: "From Secy Treasury January 2 1815 rect. of $2224.98." Light age toning and scattered soiling throughout, with marginal residue present along bottom edge. Minor corner loss resulting in damage to the first two letters of "Free", not affecting overall comprehension. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA to an overall size of 7.25" x 4.25", receiving a grade of Mint 9. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from JSA.

Bernard Peyton (1792-1854) was a prominent merchant who served as a captain in the Virginia Militia during the War of 1812, and was later named the state's Adjutant General in 1825. Following his military service, the Captain would be appointed Postmaster of Richmond under Millard Fillmore. In a letter dated November 14, 1819 to Return J. Meigs, Jefferson recommends Peyton for a position, noting his "integrity, industry, correct conduct & reputation... [and] has the additional claim of having been an officer in the late war, and of great merit in his grade." [Thomas Jefferson collection, mssJefferson, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.]

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: 7.25" x 4.25"
  • Medium: Free Frank

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000