Mr Hughes Hughes, MP for Oxford, begs to solicit the favor of Mr Talbot’s franking the accompanying cover,<1> as under, to his Son, and sealing it with his Coat of Arms
W Hughes Hughes Jr Esqre <2>
Ryde
Notes:
1. As an MP, WHFT had franking privileges and was entitled to free postage. Members commonly gave signed covers or envelopes to friends. At the time, the recipient paid for postage (to ensure that the letter was delivered). This arrangement was withdrawn in January 1840 with the introduction of the Penny Post, which instituted uniform costs and pre-paid stamps.
2. This could be confusing, for it is not a signature, but instead the writer's indication of the address of his son, a Barrister, who desires the autograph.