Franked or Free Congressional Mail Privileges

Franking, Franked or Frank is derived from the Latin word "francus" meaning free. Franked or free mailing of letters made their legal appearance in the United State on November 8, 1775, when the Continental Congress decided to give its membership the privilege of sending mail, free of charge, via a resolution that read: On motion made, resolved that all letters to and from the delegates of the United Colonies, during the sessions of Congress pass, and shall be carried free of postage, the members having engaged upon their honor not to frank or enclose any letter but their own. In place of a postage stamp, every piece of mail was to bears the registered signature or "the frank", of the congressman or senator and that means the USPS was to deliver mail at no cost to him. The first U.S. Congress enacted a franking law in 1789. At various times addition persons in the employ of the government were extended the privileges of free mail, including the President, the Vice-President, and the Cabinet officials. Because the privilege was most likely abused "Franking" was often called the "Franklin Privilege" while Benjamin Franklin was the U.S. Postmaster General. Franked mail covers are a popular stamp collectors item. That is, there are collectors who want franked letters of the Presidents, his Cabinet Officers, Generals and other important officials such as Congressmen and Senators. Stamp collectors and Autograph collectors are looking for the VIP signatures on these franked covers. Possibly the best use of the Franking privilege was during war time when Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines were allowed to send mail home to their loved one's by simply writing "Free" where the stamp would normally go on a letter. I assume and hope that this franking privilege is being done today by our military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Over the last 200 years U.S. Franked Mail Covers have been a popular Stamp and Autograph collectible. Check out our new shopping website http://www.LunchTimeShopper.com where you can find what you want in 30 minutes or less! Including a large selection of Congressional franking mail covers.