1764 Thomas Vernon Signed Receipt/Benjamin Franklin Postmaster/Revolutionary War For Sale

EXTREMELY RARE. I have only been able to find one other signature example and one manuscript postmark letter while postmaster (Siegel sale).

While not as famous as his brothers William and Samuel Vernon of the Vernon House, his history was very well storied, too. Links to Benjamin Franklin, William Ellery and more. This also means his signature is much more difficult to find, if not impossible (until now).

This receipt from 1864 shows his signature at top (Tho. Vernon). When compared to one known example of his signature on a letter (copy attached), it is clearly a match (and is lifetime guaranteed to certify by PSA/DNA or other reputable authenticator)

Newport\'s Post Office was an essential gathering place for mail and information from around the world. The modern Post Office system was an invention of Benjamin Franklin who established himself as Post Master General of the American colonies while in Philadelphia. In 1745 he appointed Thomas Vernon the Deputy Postmaster of Newport, a post he held until the Revolution began in 1775. Thomas Vernon (1718-1784) was the Tory brother of merchants and patriots Samuel and William Vernon of the Vernon House and United States Navy Board and was register of the Court of Vice-Admiralty, warden of Trinity Church, and secretary of the Redwood Library. He was later imprisoned for his loyalist activities and kept a journal of his captivity which is in the collection of the Society.

Thomas Vernon account book

Details Vernon\'s accounts paid and received. Some mentions of privateer ships and cargo brought in and out of Newport. Describes his activities as naval officer and well as his commercial interests. Vernon was the postmaster and Continental naval officer for the state of Rhode Island. was very involved with William Ellery the signer of the Declaration of Independence in Rhode Island. He owned many ships and much land.

Signed by Benjamin Franklin and bearing his heraldic seal, this document (pictured above) appointed Vernon Deputy Postmaster of Newport on 20 January 1764 for a three year term. The Post Office was located several doors south of the Brick Market on Thames Street. (copy of original document attached for reference only)

Reminiscences of Thomas Vernon, an American loyalist: Royal postmaster, at Newport, from about 1745 to 1775 or \'76, and for twenty years registrar of the Court of Vice-admiralty

Book

Written byThomas Vernon

Fine and scarce Newport Colonial manuscript postmark applied by Postmaster Thomas Vernon, Hahn recorded only five examples (Siegel sales - copy attached for reference only)

Condition as shown. Additional pictures upon receipt.

NOTE: ONLY THE 1764 RECEIPT IS INCLUDED. ALL OTHER ITEMS PICTURED ARE FOR REFERENCE & HISTORICAL SUPPORT/PERSPECTIVE ONLY

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