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Document 30056

JAMES BUCHANAN
15th President, 1857-1861.
Front Panel of Envelope franked: "Free/James Buchanan", 4½x3¾. Addressed by Buchanan to: "George W. Woodward Esquire/Wilkes barre/Pennsylvania". Postmarked: "Washington City/D.C./FEB 21". Also bears "FREE" cancellation. Buchanan had the franking privilege when he represented Pennsylvania in the House of Representatives (1821-1831) and the Senate (1834-1845) and as 15th U.S. President from 1857-1861. He was also U.S. Minister to Russia (1832-1834) and Great Britain (1853-1856) and Polk's Secretary of State (1845-1849). Buchanan had free use of the mails for life after he left the presidency simply by signing his name or "franking" the envelope. It was not until the Former Presidents Act of 1958, which went into effect in December 1973, that Congress formalized the granting of the franking privilege to former Presidents and their widows. Folds, vertical fold touches "J" in signature. Soiled, thumbprint stain touches 2 words in address. Chipped at upper and right edges. Framed in the Gallery of History style: 18¾x14¼.

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