JOHN HANCOCK SIGNS AN APPOINTMENT

FOR THOMAS AGRY WHO SERVED AS A CORPORAL IN COLONEL ARNOLD’S REGIMENT IN 1775 AND THEN AS A CAPTAIN IN THE WAR OF 1812

 

HANCOCK, JOHN.  (1737-1793).  President of the Second Continental Congress and of the Congress of the Confederation, the first Governor of Massachusetts, and the first signer of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Partially Printed Document Boldly signed, “John Hancock,” as Governor, at left center of the document. Countersigned by John Avery, Junior Secretary. One page, oblong folio. November 18, 1788. With paper wafer wax ‘Seal of Massachusetts’ at top left.  The document may be affixed to a backing, and is housed in an antique wood frame.  Not examined out of frame, but appears to be in fine plus condition.  The document reads:

 

“By His EXCELLENCY John Hancock, Esq. GOVERNOUR [sic] OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. To Thomas Agry, Gentleman Greeting. You being appointed Captain of a Company in the second Regiment, and in the first Brigade  of the eight Division of the militia of this Commonwealth comprehending the Counties of Lincoln. By Virtue of the Power vested in me, I do by these Presents (reposing special Truth and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct) Comission [sic] you accordingly.- You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the Duty of a Captain in leading, ordering and exercising said Company in Arms, both inferior Officers and Soldiers; and to keep them in good Order and Discipline: And they are hereby commanded to obey you as their Captain- and you are hereby commanded to follow such Orders and Instructions as you shall from Time to Time receive from me or your superior Officers. GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the Said Commonwealth, the twenty-fith Day of October, in the Year of our LORD, 1787 and of the Independence of the United States of American, the twelfth. By his Excellency’s Command, John Avery jun Secy”  

 

Just a superb display document that ‘screams’:  “I’m JOHN HANCOCK” —  come look at me!  — from across any room!                                                 

 

$4950.00