PRESIDENT MILLARD FILLMORE - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 06/04/1851 - HFSID 27710

MILLARD FILLMORE. Manuscript LS: "Millard Fillmore" with ANS: "M.F." as 13th U.S. President, 1p, 7¾x9¾. Washington, 1851 June 4. To Alvan Kellogg Esq., East Scott. In full: "On the receipt of yours of the 29th ult. I enclosed it to the Post Master Genl and wrote a few words in favor of the appointment of your son-in-law as Post Master at Bath; but I regret to learn to-day that another was appointed to fill that place, a few days before your letter was received." In a handwritten postscript, President Fillmore adds: "Make my kindest regards to Mrs. Kellogg, whom as well as yourself, I recollect with unfeigned satisfaction & esteem. M.F." The Postmaster General was FILLMORE's former law partner, NATHAN K. HALL. Three months before this letter was written, Fillmore, along with the Congress, authorized the postage rate to be lowered from five cents to three cents for a half-ounce letter to travel up to 3,000 miles. This was done so that the U.S. Post Office could compete more aggressively with the private postal services that had evolved specifically to circumvent the government's monopoly in mail service. Fillmore most probably is referencing Bath, New York, which is in the southwestern part of Fillmore's home state. Fillmore letters as President are rare as he served just two years and 236 days after succeeding to the presidency upon the death of Zachary Taylor. Lightly foxed at blank left edge, light glue stain at upper right blank area, lightly creased. Folds, not touching signature. 1-inch separation at upper blank vertical fold.