John Hancock Signed Document 1783 As Governor of Massachusettes

Description

John Hancock
(1737-1793) American Revolutionary politician and first signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress and two-time Governor of Massachusetts. Fine content manuscript D.S. as Governor of Massachusetts, 4pp. legal folio, Boston, March 6, 1783. Hancock names a member to the Scarborough Court of Common Pleas. In part: '...it is provided that the Governor by Advice of Council shall appoint Civil Officers...there shall be held and kept within each County...a Court of Common Pleas by four substantial discreet and learned Persons...they or any three of them shall be a Court and have Cognizance of all Civil Actions of the Value of more than forty shillings...I therefore reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Loyalty Prudence and Ability of William Thompson Esq....[appoint him] one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas...' Boldly signed by Hancock at conclusion. Co-signed by Secretary JOHN AVERY. Some fold separations and a few chips at margins. Both pages have been expertly laid to rice paper for preservation, and which could be removed by a conservator if so desired.