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HANCOCK, JOHN

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
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. Fine content A.L.S. ""J.H."" as Governor of Massachusetts, 1p. oblong small 4to., [Boston], Feb. 1, 1783 to the ""Gentlemen of the House of Representatives"", in part: ""...In Consequence of your Message just now Rec'd, I am to inform you that the Sloop Wintrop Sail'd some time since upon a Cruize under my orders Copy of which I have directed the Secretary to lay before you agreeably to your Request..."". Left margin bears minor loss with no loss to text, very light uneven toning, otherwise very good condition. Together with a secretarial copy of Hancock's orders given to Capt. George Little of the sloop Wintrop, instructing him to ""...embrace the first favorable Weather & proceed to Sea...upon a Cruize against the Enemies of these United Sates, whose vessels if not Superior to your in force; you will use your best endeavors to take, sink or Destroy, & Should you be so fortunate as to take any prizes you will send them into the Port of Boston..."". Hancock also orders him to help protect American shipping to ""...proceed to Cruize off the Island of Bermuda..."" and then to the West Indies. Partial separation at folds, otherwise very good. Two pieces.