1978 Gunning Bedford Jr

Cover Honors Founding Father Gunning Bedford Jr.

Own this cover picturing Gunning Bedford Jr. (1741-1812).  The Flag over Independence Hall stamp is tied to the cover with a Wilmington, Delaware, postmark.  Bedford spent much of his adult life in that city.  The date on the postmark represents the 166th anniversary of his death.

Bedford was born in Philadelphia, but settled in Delaware to set up his law practice.  During the Revolutionary War, he served in the Continental Army as muster-general.  After the war, Bedford was appointed the first Attorney General of Delaware.  In 1787, he represented the state at the Constitutional Convention.  Two years later, he was appointed to the US District Court for the District of Delaware by President Washington.  During his life, he was a strong supporter for abolishing slavery.