Hancock, John (1737-93) First signer of the Declaration of Independence; President of the Continental Congress (1775-77); Governor of Massachusetts (1780-80, 1787-93).
Partly-printed document signed as Governor of Massachusetts, 1p, 13½ x 8¾", Boston, July 16, 1782. Certifying that Thomas Harris has made oath that the ship "Thomas," with Robert Stonehouse as Master, is a "Square stern'd Vessel of the Burthen of One hundred Tons, or thereabouts, [and] was built at the Havana in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and seventy And that…no Subject of the King of Great-Britain, directly or indirectly hath any share, Part or Interest therein." With a beautiful, bold signature by John Hancock, below the Commonwealth's paper seal; also signed by Thomas Harris, the ship's owner, by John Avery, Secretary of the Commonwealth, and by a notary public. One small hole and a few fold thins, else fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
U.S. Revolutionary War
