Lot 7
Hancock, John (1737-93) First signer of the Declaration of Independence; served in Continental Congress, elected President 1775-77; Governor of Massachusetts 1780-80, 1787-93.
Partly-printed Document Signed as President of the Continental Congress, January 1, 1776 (Philadelphia). One page oblong folio, on laid paper, matted to 17 x 19 inches. Appointing Hugh Maxwell Esqr. "Captain of a Company in the 7th Regiment of Foot Commanded by Colo. William Prescot in the Army of the United Colonies, raised for the Defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile Invasion thereof…." Countersigned by Charles Thomson as Secretary of the Continental Congress. Small areas of paper loss along folds in upper half of document, not affecting Hancock's very bold signature.
William Prescott and Israel Putnam were in command of fortifying Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill on June 16, 1775 and led the battle against the British the next day. Hugh Maxwell was lieutenant of a company of minute men who marched to Cambridge and joined Prescott's regiment. He was wounded in the right shoulder during the battle. This is Maxwell's promotion to captain in Prescott's regiment, signed in 1776 by John Hancock as President of the Continental Congress. In Revolutionary War material, it doesn't get much better than this!
Estimated Value $6,000 - 8,000.
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| Realized $7,763 |
