Although the American Stampless Cover Catalog lists a number of Thetford (Orange County, 1806- in operation) cancels in the mid 1840s period, the ASCC doesn’t list this rimless circular date stamp from January 1841. Could this just be an example of poor inking around the edges or is it a true rimless cancel? Perhaps a reader has a similar cover.
The letter is from George H. Steele to Robert S. Hale. We have not been able to find information about Mr. Steele, but Mr. Hale moved to New York and became a member of the US Congress in 1866-77 and 1873-75.
However, there is another aspect of this stampless letter that is perhaps more note worthy. William Henry Harrison was elected president of the United States in the election of 1840 and was inaugurated in March, 1841. He died a month later becoming the first president to die in office.
Why do we mention this? The paper that this letter is written upon is embossed with the profile of President Harrison. It would seem that the writer was a supporter of the soon-to-be Whig president.
No comments:
Post a Comment