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John Hancock DS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:0.00 USD
John Hancock DS
"WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AFTER THE AUCTION ENDS BY THE AUCTIONEER ONCE ALL BIDS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED TO DETERMINE THE WINNER FOR EACH LOT."
John Hancock document signed as Governor of Massachusetts with unusual, fine content. Datelined Boston, 30 January 1792, Hancock approves a payment of ''one pound, fifteen shillings & nine pence'' to hemp producer William Goodenow for ''…the bounty…of Hemp raised…& Certified agreeable to Law - to be paid as directed by resolve of 11th of March last…'' Partly-printed document is countersigned by Secretary John Avery. Lot also includes the original signed document by the merchant Goodenow, requesting payment for the hemp, which had been raised in 1790. While Hancock's purchase of hemp was then considered ''agreeable to Law'' and, of course, utilized for producing rope, paper, and other commonplace goods, paying a ''bounty'' for such now would be criminally punishable. 7.25'' x 9.25'' document has portion of bright red seal present and John Hancock full signature with characteristic flourish. Fold tears reinforced with archival tape on verso, otherwise very good condition.