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to John Sullivan

Transmits a copy of the proceedings of the Massachusetts ratifying convention for the Constitution. Notes that the Convention recommended amendments and alterations to the Constitution.

GLC04362

to Robert Morris

Written by Hancock as President of the Continental Congress to Morris as a Continental Congressman from Pennsylvania. Reports to Morris that Congress will return to Philadelphia, and suggests that its return may relieve some of the burden of Morris...

GLC04431

[Resolution of Massachusetts Legislature]

Signed approved by Hancock. Also signed by Theodore Sedgwick, Speaker of the House, and Samuel Phillips, President. Certified as a true copy by John Avery as Secretary. Concerns levying taxes on the polls and estates in Worcester County...

GLC04432

Rules and articles for the better government of the troops raised, or to be raised and kept in pay by and at the expence of the United States of America.

Created by the Continental Congress and printed by John Dunlap. Signed by Colonel Goose Van Schaick in 1777. Contains uniform regulations for commissioned and noncommissioned officers, relates penalties and reasons for the issue of Court Martials....

GLC04050

[Delay of execution for Edward Johnson for two weeks].

Signed by Governor of Massachusetts Hancock and countersigned by Secretary of the State John Avery. Johnson was to be hanged for burglary but "humbly supplicated for further time to prepare for death." Suspension of his sentence was granted for two...

GLC03792

[Sentence of four prisoners for attempting to escape confinement].

Countersigned by Judge William Perkins. Sentence of Thomas Port, John Carny, John Payn and Peter Rodgers to lashings for attempted escape. Each of the prisoners plead guilty and received "thirty nine stripes on their naked backs."

GLC03793

to John Hancock and Robert Morris

Possibly written at Philadelphia. Hopkinson, John Nixon, and John Wharton submit a Continental Navy Board report to Congress. The Board designates a sum paid to "officers and Men on Board every Fire Ship in the River Delaware & Co the officers and...

GLC03939

to Daniel Perkins

Hancock writes to Reverend Perkins, his step-father. Hancock has not yet received communication from Perkins, and writes to let his family know that he is well. Hancock discusses the death of King George II and the impending coronation of George III.

GLC04908

[Instructing Paul Farmer to admit an indigent man to a Boston poorhouse].

Signed by Hancock and Jonathan Mason as Selectmen of Boston. Consented to by W. Greenleaf as Overseer of the Poor. Farmer is described as a stranger and "not an Inhabitant of any Town in this Province."

GLC04724

Proclamation of amnesty in Boston to all but Samuel Adams and John Hancock

Authorship attributed to John Burgoyne. With woodcut royal seal of George III at top. Gage writes: "In this exigency of complicated calamities, I avail myself of the last effort within the bounds of my duty, to spare the effusion; to offer, and I...

GLC04781

to Thomas Hancock

Hancock writes to his uncle. He mentions people he has met in London, as well as the death of Admiral Edward Boscawen before they had a chance to meet. He asks to be allowed to stay to see the coronation of George III. Hancock reports a rumor that...

GLC03637

to John Barry

Hancock, Thomas McKean, Richard Henry Lee, John Alsop, Joseph Hewes, Robert Morris, and Edward Rutledge sign as members of the Marine Committee (all but Alsop went on to sign the Declaration of Independence). Hancock et al. inform Captain Barry that...

GLC03714

to John Barry

Signed by members Hancock, Robert Morris, John Alsop, Richard Henry Lee, Joseph Hewes, George Read, William Whipple, and Stephen Hopkins as members of the Congressional Marine Committee (all but Alsop went on to sign the Declaration of Independence)...

GLC03715

to William Smallwood

Communicates to General Smallwood a resolution by the Continental Congress in response to a petition from citizens in Somerset and Worcester counties in Maryland. The resolution orders Smallwood to help "suppress the Tories in the counties of...

GLC06502

to John Langdon

Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress, discusses various military and business matters with Langdon, a agent for the Continental Navy. Mentions Miss Wharton. Discusses money submitted to Langdon by the Marine...

GLC06520

[Certification of John Wheelwright's appointment to Second Lieutenant of the Continental Frigate Raleigh at New Hampshire].

Issued by President of the Continental Congress John Hancock.

GLC06525

[Blank form created for Marine Committee appointments]

Contains blank spaces reserved for the name, office, and vessel to which the appointee is assigned. Date previously inferred.

GLC06526

[Privateer commission for the schooner "Adventure" of Exeter, New Hampshire].

President of the First Continental Congress John Hancock signed this privateer commission authorizing Commander of the Adventure James Johnson to capture British vessels and cargo.

GLC05659

Instructions from Boston to its Representatives in State Legislature

This document is a printed sheet with a manuscript note at top containing information and instructions about a meeting of those who represent the Town of Boston. The note concerns State Legislators and mentions John Hancock, Samuel Allyn Otis, Caleb...

GLC05666.01

to David Wooster

Directing Brigadier General Wooster's troops to build batteries on the highlands of Hudson (North) River as per General Schuyler's commands.

GLC06404

[Captain's commission for William North]

Partly printed document signed by Hancock as President of Continental Congress and co-signed by Charles Thomson as Secretary of Congress. This commission gives William North the rank of captain. A later note at the top of the document, by North's...

GLC02524

[Resolve of Congress on General Gates's call for militia]

Written in the hand of William Churchill Houston as deputy secretary of the Continental Congress. Signed by Continental Congress President Hancock. It is noted that this is a copy from the Journals of Congress. Resolve issued in the aftermath of the...

GLC02525

[Letters to John Hancock and Joseph Martin]

A set of copied letters to John Hancock and Joseph Martin regarding treaties with the Indians. The first is addressed to Charles Thomson and signed by both Hawkins and Andrew Pickens. The second is addressed to Hancock, dated 4 January 1786 and...

GLC02437.08213

[Note]

Note of exchange for Henry Knox for the amount of £100 sterling.

GLC02437.08272

[Resolution to equalize pay of troops]

Resolution of Congress to equalize pay of the troops in the Middle Department with that of those in the Eastern Department. Passed by the Continental Congress in response to George Washington's 8 June 1776 letter stating that Congress had intended...

GLC00782.07

Orders to George Washington to blockade the Hudson River [Decimalized .01-.02]

Entirely in Hancock's hand except for clerical date. includes mezzo tint of Hancock.

GLC00372

[Orders to George Washington to blockade the Hudson River]

Orders to blockade and defend Mount Washington from the enemy without regard to expense. Allows Washington's appointment of a Deputy Commissary of Stores for the Army at New York. Docket not in Hancock's hand.

GLC00372.01

[Resolution of the Continental Congress advising New York to make provisions for detecting, restraining and punishing Tories].

Issued by Hancock less than three weeks before the Declaration of Independence, this resolution calls for the suppression of contact with the British among Tories in the colony of New York. It also claims that General George Washington will aid in...

GLC03716

to the Selectmen of Medway, Massachusetts

Along with Hancock, Joseph Jackson, John Ruddock, John Rowe and Samuel Pemberton signed as the selectmen of Boston. Recounts Parliament's impositions on the Americans via the Intolerable Acts and the alarm caused by the announcement by Sir Francis...

GLC03110

[Military pass for Timothy Hopkins]

Lieutenant Jonathan Smith authorizes Hopkins "to have a Pass of the Island to the Major gen[illegible] of the Day." On verso, a separate note permits the bearer to cross by ferry by order of Major General Hancock (possibly John Hancock). M. Bremmer...

GLC01450.444.02.09

[Receipt book with forged signatures]

Includes forged signatures of John Adams and John Hancock pasted onto the inside of the front board. Some receipts included are written to Treat & Pico, others to Joshua Pico. Items/services bought and sold include oil, rent of property, schooling...

GLC01450.725

Draft of address to Mass. Legislature after ratification of the Constitution

Discusses the new form of government and reminds legislators of their desire for a Bill of Rights.

GLC01559

[Massachusetts state pardon for Scripture Frost for counterfeiting coin]

Frost was sentenced to stand in pillory for 1 hour and to 2 years hard labor. Conditionally pardoned excepting that Frost pay a 25 Pound ($40) fine. Signed and sealed by John Hancock as governor. Written by Secretary to the Governor John Avery, Jr....

GLC01988

to John Hancock

Knox, Secretary of War, discusses President George Washington's orders regarding captured naval prizes. Requests that Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts, restore any naval prizes brought into the harbors and ports of Massachusetts to the master or...

GLC04109

Lithograph titled The Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776

One print entitled The Declaration of Independence July 4th 1776 dated circa 1850. This image is a gathering of men and is considered to be depicting the signing or presentation of the Declaration of Independence. The original painting by Trumbull...

GLC10045

to John Marshall

Marked private. President Washington offers the Ministry of France to Marshall. Says it was necessary to recall Monroe, the current minister. Hopes he will accept the offer as soon as possible. Post script says he wants Marshall to see him when he...

GLC05288

to [Patrick Henry?]

Gerry, a Continental Congressman, discusses an unspecified request and an appeal brought before Congress. Informs Henry, Governor of Virginia, that he will ask Congressional President John Hancock why the appeal has not been presented to Congress...

GLC05346

Resolution in Congress 27th Dec. 1776 investing Genl Washington with certain powers [fragment]

Final page of document conferring extraordinary power on Washington. For six months he is granted the power "to fill up all Vacancies in every other Department in the American Armies; to take wherever he may be, whatever he may want for the Use of...

GLC05611

to John Sullivan

Massachusetts Governor Hancock requests permission of New Hampshire Governor Sullivan to send troops in pursuit of rebels involved in Shays's rebellion through his state.

GLC00300

to John Hancock

Thomas Mifflin informs Hancock that he has appointed "Francis Huger of Charleston South Carolina Deputy Quarter Master General for that State." He asks for a commission for Huger.

GLC00307.01

The Hon. John Hancock of Boston... Done from an original picture paint

With platemark numbered 84. Based on painting by Littleford, Oct. 25, 1775

GLC00372.02

[Continental Congress appointments for Massachusetts]

Document attested to by Massachusetts Secretary of State Avery. Announces the men chosen as delegates to the Continental Congress from Massachusetts for the following year. Lists John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge...

GLC00436

[Resolution to Colonel Anthony Wayne]

Transcribed by Charles Thomson Secretary of the Continental Congress from 1774-1788. Resolve requesting all colonels of the Pennsylvania battalions to send a report detailing the number condition of the enlisted men as well as the places where they...

GLC00496.031

to John Hancock

Thomas Jefferson asks Governor Hancock to collect data on the cod and whale fisheries. Seller's note reads: "an incomplete press copy of a contemporary transcript." First pages missing. Written while Jefferson was Secretary of State. Letter is...

GLC00496.175

to Joshua Clayton

Marked "Circular" and possibly sent to each state. Encloses papers (not present) containing the speech of the late governor, John Hancock, and the proceedings of the legislature of Massachusetts. Resumes Hancock's argument against the Supreme Court's...

GLC00575

to William Cooper

Enclosing the Declaration of Independence, with personal notes to his friend and description of sabotage of a captured American ship. Cooper was town clerk of Boston. Also, discusses military matters.

GLC00595

to the Convention of Maryland

Written by Hancock as President of the Continental Congress. Begins by saying "Our affairs are hastening fast to a Crisis; and the approaching Campaign will in all Probability, determine for ever the Fate of America." Says the King and Parliament has...

GLC00639.12

to William Smallwood

Hancock sends resolutions by the Continental Congress (not included) relating to measures to suppress a Tory insurrection in Somerset and Worcester counties in Maryland. He orders General Smallwood to stand ready to execute the forthcoming orders...

GLC01205.01

[Promotion of George Clark to Second Lieutenant of a Company of foot in the seventh Pennsylvania regiment].

Countersigned by Secretary of Congress Charles Thomson. Official document promoting Clark. Partially printed, with blanks filled in by hand. Hancock signed as President of the Continental Congress.

GLC01253

Three documents related to the military service of Gideon Stebbins [Decimalized]

GLC01412.10

[Commission of Gideon Stebbins]

Countersigned by Charles Thomson. Partially printed appointment of Gideon Stebbins to Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States Colonies. Accompanied by two signed payrolls for militia commanded by Stebbins during Shays' rebellion. The...

GLC01412.10.01

to Thomas Johnson

The docket has been separated from the Free Frank (address leaf). Johnson was the governor of Maryland.

GLC01412.52

[Appointment of Samuel Nicholson as Commander of Frigate Deane]

Signed by Hancock as President of the Countersigned by Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress.

GLC01450.001

[Assignment of privateer's bond by John Hancock to Joseph Hewes and Robert Smith]

Countersigned by Jacob Rush and Benjamin Towne. Revokes the earlier privateer commission given to Barzilla Smith by Hancock as President of the Congress of the United States because Smith did not conduct himself and his crew according to the terms...

GLC01450.014.01

[Privateer bond of Barzilla Smith, Joseph Chapman, and Elijah F. Payne]

Privateer commission binding the three men in the amount of $5,000 to John Hancock, President of the Congress of the United States. Commissions Smith as commander of the privateer schooner the Eagle, Payne as owner of the schooner, and Chapman as...

GLC01450.014.02

[Resolution of the Court allowing delegates to draw money]

Signed and approved by John Hancock as a true copy by John Avery. Appropriating 3000 pounds out of the new emission of money for the Treasurer of Massachusetts for use by the delegates of the state at Congress. Imposes a limit of 600 pounds for any...

GLC01450.020.11

[Forged permission for marriage from John Hancock]

Addressed to any clergyman of the city or liberties of Philadelphia. States "Lawrence Wilson has applied to me for license to be joined to Jane Bevan in matrimony. I therefore authorize you to do the same according to the usual form." Wilson, a...

GLC01450.034.01

to the Convention of Maryland

Enclosing a letter from James Searle regarding possible attack by British fleet. On November 13, 1776 Searle spotted about one hundred British ships off the point of Sandy Hook at Long Branch, New Jersey. He immediately wrote to Thomas Wharton Jr...

GLC00779

[Commission of Martin Eichelberger as first lieutenant].

Cosigned by Charles Thompson.

GLC00782.05

to the Assembly of New Jersey

President of the Continental Congress Hancock reminds the Assembly of New Jersey of the requirement that they provide the military with physicians to certify surgeons and their assistants. If New Jersey does not comply, it will risk losing...

GLC00782.06

[Appointment of Daniel Howard as state senator]

Appoints Howard as a Massachusetts state senator from "Plimouth" County. Partially printed document signed. Signed by Hancock as Governor. Countersigned by Avery as secretary.

GLC00945.05

to Joseph Clarke

Hancock writes to Treasurer Clarke that he must deny his request for a loan, as the state is too burdened with debt. " ... the Situation of our publick Funds, & the large Calls for Money by Loans for the Service of the State, makes it impossible to...

GLC00987

[Commission of Captain Daniel Morgan]

Partially printed document signed by Continental Congress President John Hancock and co-signed by Charles Thomson as Secretary to Congress. The writing in the document's body was done by General George Washington. Document appoints Daniel Morgan as...

GLC04825

to New Jersey Convention

The letter announces the Declaration of Independence. Stamps on verso: "Sold by Merchantile Library" [red stamp] "Tomlinson Collection" [purple stamp]. With docket on page 2.

GLC00154.01

Commission of John Harper, Quartermaster of 4th Battallion, Penna.

Partially printed document, cosigned by Charles Thomson.

GLC00184.15

[Appointment of Norton Quincy as Justice of the Peace].

Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, John Hancock, appointed Justice of the Peace, Norton Quincy, for the County of Suffolk. The order gives a general sketch of the duties of Quincy's new office. Partially printed. Accompanied by frilled...

GLC00210

[Partially printed document authorizing the forcible capture of British vessels]

This document serves as a form by which Continental Congress authorizes the seizure of British ships and crew members in a warlike manner. Originally signed by Hancock during his term as President of the Congress (24 May 1775- 31 October 1777)....

GLC00231

to unknown

Written by Wendell, a wealthy, well-connected merchant in New Hampshire to an unknown recipient. References a previous letter he wrote that mentioned political sentiments. Does not go into detail. Mentions a report of the broken American siege of...

GLC00252

Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Printed as a broadside. Signed by Hancock as President of the Second Continental Congress. Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured...

GLC00038.01

[Journal of William Ellery's journey from Dighton, Massachusetts, to Yorktown, Pennsylvania]

Discusses British General John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga and meetings with Generals Oliver Wolcott and Israel Putnam, and with Members of the Continental Congress Francis Dana, John Hancock, John Adams, and Samuel Adams. Includes allusions to...

GLC00107.02

to "The Gentlemen of the House of Representatives"

Hancock argues that the bill making Sunday a day of Sabbath in Congress was improperly passed. The Constitution provided a set amount of time to rebuke a bill's passing, and others in Congress accused Hancock of sending his letter of rebuttal too...

GLC07917

To: "Gentlemen of the House of Representatives."

John Hancock responds to an inquiry from the "Gentlemen of the House of Representatives" about the status of an import tax bill. He says that he feels the bill was illegitimately passed and that he does not consider it legitimate.

GLC07918

[Appointment of James Mackinson to First Lieutenant] [Fragment]

Partially printed document appointing James Mackinson a first Lieutenant. Attested by Charles Thomson as secretary. The top of the document, which contained Mackinson's name, has been lost. The name is found on the docket.

GLC02437.00529

[Commission of Henry Knox to Brigadier General of Artillery]

Congressional appointment for Knox to the newly created rank of Brigadier General of Artillery. "We, resposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Patriotism, Valour, Conduct and Fidelity, DO, by these Presents, constitute and appoint you to be a...

GLC02437.00500

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "the shortness of your two last letters were not very agreable [sic] to me..." Discusses the Battle of Ticonderoga (2-6 July 1777): "We have received... news of the evacuation of Ticonderoga pregnant in my opinion with the most...

GLC02437.00622

to John Hancock

Knox writes to Hancock, President of Continental Congress. Asks if [Phillippe] du Coudray has been appointed to command the artillery. Declares, "I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission...

GLC02437.00620

to John Hancock

Written on two different sizes of paper: the first is 33.4 x 21.3 cm, the second is 13 x 21 cm. Writes to Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts, to ask that eighteen-year-old Isaac Winslow be allowed to return to land his family owns in Roxbury...

GLC02437.01408

to John Hancock

Draft of GLC02437.00853. Congratulates Hancock on becoming the Governor of Massachusetts and brings the suffering of the Massachusetts soldiers to Hancock's attention. Noted that "Instead of the foregoing-the one drafted by Col. Pickering was sent...

GLC02437.00854

to John Hancock

Signed for Knox by Shaw. Henry Knox's retained copy. Congratulates Hancock on becoming the Governor of Massachusetts and brings the suffering of the Massachusetts soldiers to Hancock's attention. The text is in the hand of Henry Knox, but the...

GLC02437.00853

to Henry Knox

Refers to an ensuing campaign and the potential for "disposing of the British fleet." Remarks on the prevalence of British ships in the Boston harbor and adjacent waters. Reports that the House of Lee and Jones lost a ship to the British...

GLC02437.01060

Resolutions re: relieving Major General St. Clair and Schuyler of command

Resolutions of Congress, signed as President, countersigned by William Houston. Also calls for more soldiers. Was written in Congress.

GLC07477

to William Davis and Benjamin Russell

Countersigned by John Avery as Secretary of State. Calls for Davis and Russell to take depositions from Patience and William Cornell regarding their divorce. Note on page two dated 8 February 1785 and signed by Justice William Davis, states that he...

GLC02357

to Henry Knox

Written from "Port Louis, Isle of France," present-day Port Louis, Mauritius. Relates that Mr. Sears stopped at the Isle of France on his way to and from Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China), and brought him a letter from Major Samuel Shaw. Fears...

GLC02437.03454

to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter in which he presents news on a variety of subjects. First, mentions that he applied to Judge Wendell for certificates that they had been discussing. He has so far been unsuccessful but will try again. John Hancock is...

GLC02437.03250

to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter outlining various happenings in Boston. Relates that Mr. [John] Hancock is recovered and will travel to Congress [in New York] in the coming weeks. A Mr. Oliver Smith refuses to purchase lime from the Winslows because they...

GLC02437.03260

to John Hancock

Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Hancock's child. Explains that only those parents who have suffered that loss can understand how it feels. Expounds upon his understanding of God, death and the afterlife, the human role in the...

GLC02437.03449

to Henry Knox

Writes on a variety of subjects. Reports that Governor [John] and Mrs. Hancock will set out in a week for New York, and that he dined with them last week at their mutual friend Ben Hichborn's. Showed Hichborn the letter he received from Knox...

GLC02437.03224

to Henry Knox

Writes on several topics. Mentions that [Samuel] Shaw will leave soon for New York and that Jackson has delivered to Shaw all of Henry Knox's brother William's luggage. Mentions that Governor [John] Hancock, his wife and family, and several others...

GLC02437.03226

to Henry Dearborn

Knox writes to Colonel Dearborn regarding lands on the Kennebec River in present-day Maine. Asks Dearborn to rescue the lands from an unspecified situation on behalf of "his Excellency the Governor," likely referring to John Hancock, Governor of...

GLC02437.03084

to John Hancock

Knox present his compliments to Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts. Acknowledges the receipt of an unspecified commission. Signed in text as "General Knox."

GLC02437.03088

to Henry Knox

Writes that in Knox's letter from 14 November, Knox had reported that his brother William Knox had not yet arrived from England, but believes Knox is mistaken since he heard that the ship had in fact arrived. Discusses the political prospects of Mr...

GLC02437.03218

[Teamsters agreement for a military expedition up the St. River Lawrence]

Written by Hancock while working for his uncle's mercantile company during the French and Indian War. Makes an agreement for provisioning the troops for the Battle of Quebec. Records a contract between "teamster, on the one part, & Thomas Hancock...

GLC07697

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to send a copy of John Hancock's Massacre Day Oration from March 1774 under a blank paper cover, because Rivington has an immediate use for the speech commemorating the Boston Massacre. Also regquests a single copy of any well-written...

GLC02437.00182

to Henry Knox

Sends Knox pamphlets which he believes Knox does not have and will be of interest to his customers. Mentions that he has printed a letter to John Hancock in Rivington's New-York Gazetteer and would provide the opportunity for any of Hancock's...

GLC02437.00138

to Henry Knox

Discusses a variety of issues related to his presenting a petition to the Massachusetts State Legislature. Has attempted to meet with Governor [John] Hancock, who has promised to notify them when a meeting would be convenient. Describes the...

GLC02437.01629

to Henry Knox

Believes that George Washington's attendance at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia "will add weight to their proceedings - the spirit of electioneering has exceeding any before known ... " Discusses the election for the Massachusetts...

GLC02437.03510

to John Hancock

Informs Hancock that his brother, William Knox, will present him with Mrs. McEwens accounts during Hancock's stay in McEwen's house. Asks Hancock to pay the amount to her.

GLC02437.03655

to Henry Knox

Discusses acquaintances he has been seeing while in Boston, including his visit with Mrs. Butler. Mentions the Governor (John Hancock) continues to be ill but that he hopes to see him tomorrow. Comments his old friend Mr. [Smith] continues to live...

GLC02437.03664

to Henry Knox

Two parts. First part written 26 February 1787. Notes he missed the post at Hartford, Connecticut and only has time to write a quick note. Describes how long and difficult his journey has been, particularly for Mrs. Swan, and says he will never go...

GLC02437.03471

to Henry Knox

Discusses the upcoming election between John Hancock and James Bowdoin and states that "You will see by the news papers, that the Electioneering Mania has taken full possession of all ranks of people, & it is said that [Faneuil] Hall will be shook to...

GLC02437.03506