Books and Manuscripts

Boston, December 23, 1780. Single sheet, 12 3/4 x 8 in. (324 x 203 mm). Partially-printed document, signed by Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts, John Hancock (1737-1793), as Governor of Massachusetts, attesting that "William Smith of Boston...maketh Oath, that the Brigg Expedition whereof Henry Atkins is at present Master...and that the said William Smith Isaac Smith Esq. & John Codman are at present Owners thereof..."; counter-signed by William Smith, Nathaniel Barbey, and John Avery. Wax and paper seals still present. Toned and dampstained; paper loss to top and bottom margins. In mat and in frame, 23 1/2 x 19 in. (596 x 483 mm).

A bold example of John Hancock's famous signature, penned two months after his landslide election as first governor of Massachusetts, in October of 1780.