HANCOCK, John (1737-1793). Autograph note signed ("Accepted/Tho. Hancock"), to Thomas Hancock and Company Boston. Annapolis Royal, 12 July 1763. 1 page, 8vo (104 x 189 mm), docketed by Hancock on verso, blank lower right corner chipped away, top edge with light chipping touching a letter, fold touched "k" in signature, creased, light pencil notation on verso. John Hancock, acting as representative of his uncle Thomas Hancock's shipping business, signs receipt in the name of his uncle, with his familiar signature and paraph. After John Hancock's father passed away, his uncle, Thomas Hancock, adopted him. Thomas Hancock taught John the shipping business, and when he passed away at the age of 62 (the summer after this receipt was signed), his business and most of his fortune passed to his nephew John, as he had no children; this inheritance made John Hancock one of the richest men in the colonies.