2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
HANCOCK, John (1737-1793). American Revolutionary politician and first signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress and two-time Governor of Massachusetts. Document Signed "John Hancock" as governor of Massachusetts, one page, folio, December 11, 1788. Hancock signs a military appointment for Jonathan Davis as A Company of the cavalry raised in the County of Worcester. Countersigned by Secretary John Avery. In fine condition, with expected transfolds and overall toning and intact seal. There was some paper separation along the transverse fold in the mid-portion of the document but that has been expertly repaired. The signature is dark as illustrated. The overall condition is good and the state seal is intact. From an uncle Hancock inherited Boston's leading mercantile firm, and naturally he opposed the Stamp Act (1765) and other British trade restrictions. In 1768 his ship Liberty was seized as a smuggler and confiscated by the crown. A riot ensued, and later the ship was burned. Hancock was hailed as a martyr and elected (1766) to the legislature, where he joined Samuel Adams in advocating resistance to England. In 1775, Gen. Thomas Gage issued a warrant for their arrest, but they escaped. Hancock was a member (1775-80, 1785-86) and president (24 May 1775 - 29 October 1777, and 23 Nov 1785 - 5 Jun 1786 [though he did not serve because of illness]) of the Continental Congress. This particular document was signed at a very historic time. In 1788, Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the Constitution, largely due to Hancock's leadership even though he was severely ill with the gout. A strong local militia was necessary because the state had just experienced Shays's Rebellion. That rebellion helped bring Hancock back tho the governorship. Hancock's name appears first (and largest) on the Declaration of Independence, and the term "John Hancock" is often used to mean a signature. He was governor of Massachusetts (1780-85, 1787-93).
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