On 8x15 cm. panel of paper, mounted and framed under plexiglass with portrait of Washington and engraved metal title-plaque. Overall 37x52 cm (14½x20").

A fine example of George Washington's signature frank on an envelope panel, hand-addressed by him to one of the important generals in the Continental Army during the heart of the American Revolution. Washington was Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States at the time this envelope was signed, writing to Major-General Arthur St. Clair. The envelope reads: "On Public Service. Major General St. Clair. On the route to Springfield. G. Washington." It seems likely this was executed after St. Clair's unsuccessful defense of Fort Ticonderoga, which fell to the superior forces of British General John Burgoyne in the summer of 1777. Following his defeat and  retreat from the fort, St. Clair was removed from command, and subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by a court martial in the fall of 1778. Though not given any further field commands during the Revolution, he did serve as aide-de-camp to Washington, and was present at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered.