Goevansson, Andrew, fl. 1777 to John Hancock
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.034.02 Author/Creator: Goevansson, Andrew, fl. 1777 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: April 24, 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy
Goevansson states that he received a forged letter which he believed was from Hancock last night authorizing him to join in matrimony Lawrence Wilson and Jane Bevan. He states he performed the act believing the note to be genuine. Asks what he should do when pressed to marry soldiers in the Continental service who do not have enough time to get a legal license. Asks if he can be empowered within limitations to perform marriages without a license from the government. Informs that this letter will be delivered by Mr. [Allcock] who has an application to be married and is in the same position. Goevansson is identified as a reverend on the docket. See GLC01450.034.01 for the forged John Hancock document giving permission to marry Wilson. Docket is in Hancock's hand.
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