1. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706 - 1790) American statesman, inventor, and author, Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A fine association item, a transmittal cover addressed in the hand of Franklin, in full: "Miss Catherine Greene at Warwick Rhode Island Free B. Franklin". Catherine Ray Greene was the aunt of Caty Littlefield Greene, the influential wife of Revolutionary War Gen. Nathaniel Greene. She married William Greene, the second governor of Rhode Island, after a brief and flirtatious relationship with Franklin during the winter of 1754. She met Franklin around Christmas of that year while he was inspecting a New England postal network around Boston. Franklin was apparently dazzled by the 23-year-old's dynamic, outspoken personality, and the two talked for hours. During a journey to Rhode Island from Boston, it became clear that the pair were mutually smitten. However, shortly thereafter Franklin backed away, sensing that the relationship may be going too far, and instead urged Catherine to marry. A few months later Catherine did indeed marry William Greene, the future governor. Franklin and Catherine remained dear friends over the years despite their truncated romantic relationship. Their long-time correspondence is documented in the volume Benjamin Franklin and Catherine Ray Greene: Their Correspondence 1755-1790. Moderate foxing throughout but well-clear of signature, expertly silked for preservation, and handsomely set into a gilt frame with portrait engraving. A scarce and desirable piece, not examined out of frame. $6,000-8,000