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Document 17197

JAMES K. POLK
Presidential franked envelope.
Envelope franked: "J.K. Polk" in upper right, 6½x3½. Addressed by him to: "Secretary or Ch. Clerk of/The Treasury Department". Polk had the franking privilege as a member of the House of Representatives and as President. As a Congressman, Polk added "M.C." indicating "Member of Congress" to his franking signature. As President, he would just sign his name. This was franked by Polk as 11th U.S. President between 1845 and 1849. The Secretary of the Treasury Department was ROBERT J. WALKER. Bearing no postal markings and no address, it was probably hand-delivered. Polk represented Tennessee in Congress as a Democrat, serving from March 4, 1825 to March 3, 1839. From December 7, 1835 to March 3, 1839, he was Speaker of the House. On October 14, 1839, he was sworn in as Governor of Tennessee. He lost reelection bids in 1841 and 1843. Polk defeated Henry Clay on November 5, 1844 by 1.337 million to 1.299 million popular votes, 170-105 electoral votes and 15-11 states. He was exhausted after his one term as President. Recurring attacks of cholera and continual work, including conducting the Mexican War, left him weak and he did not seek renomination. On June 15, 1849, just three and a half months after leaving the White House, Polk died. At 53, he is the youngest U.S. President to die of natural causes. Fine condition. Framed in the Gallery of History style: 21¾x18.

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