July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
HANCOCK, John (17-1791). President of the Continental Congress, first signer of the Declaration of Independence, afterwards Governor of Massachusetts. Letter Signed “John Hancock,” Philadelphia, August 10, 1776, 1pp., 8” x 12”, to General (James) Clinton. In full, “The Congress having yesterday been pleased to promote you to the Rank of Brigadier General in the Army of the American States, I do myself the Pleasure to enclose your Commission and wish you happy. I am Sir, your most obed’t and hmble Serv., John Hancock, Presid.” Previous folds, professional conservation with paper fill that does not touch this large, dark signature. August 9th, Congress, in response to Washington's request for more general officers, appointed Heath, Spencer, Sullivan and Greene, Major Generals, and Reed, Nixon, St. Clair, McDougall, Parsons and James Clinton, Brigadier Generals. Research indicates that just days later, Washington would advise Clinton of this promotion, “Head-Quarters, August 14, 1776. Sir: I have the pleasure of forwarding you by this opportunity a letter from Congress enclosing your commission for a Brigadier in the Continental Army; on which appointment please to accept my hearty congratulations. As the post you are now at is an object of great importance, and 1 am acquainted with the officers under you, must request you will remain there till you hear further from me. I am, sir, your very humble servant, Geo. Washington.”
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