Books and Manuscripts

Massachusetts, July 15, 1788. 13 1/2 x 12 3/8 in. (343 x 314 mm). Partially-printed ship's register, boldy signed by Founding Father John Hancock, as third governor of Massachusetts, for the Schooner Sally, owned by John Norris of Salem and commanded by John Burchmore; counter-signed by Naval Officer Joseph Hiller and Secretary John Avery, Jr. Original paper seals intact, left side; MS. note in an unknown hand mounted at bottom left corner: "The Governor Returns his Respectful/Compliments to the Hon. The Consul/General of France, & will with very/great pleasure wait on him Tuesday/next agreeably to his very polite/Invitation/Thursday 27 Decem. 1788" (possibly referring to French Consul Joseph Philippe Letombe). Creasing from original folds; scattered soiling and spotting; tape repairs verso. In mat and frame,

The Schooner Sally was a square stern vessel weighing 60 tons, and was built in Salisbury, Massachusetts in 1785.