John Hancock letter signed ("John Hancock") as Governor of Massachusetts. One page, 7.25" x 8.75", Boston; April 14, 1781. Addressed to "His Excellency Commodore [Charles R. D. Sochet, Chevalier] Destouches". Governor John Hancock sends additional pilots to Commodore Destouches, a Commander in the French fleet. John Hancock (1737-1793), who was serving as the Governor of Massachusetts, writes to the Commander of the French Squadron Charles R. D. Sochet, Chevalier Destouches (1727-1793) at Newport. It reads, in full: "I yesterday wrote your Excellency by Mr. Curtis who with two other Pilots went off to Newport. This will be handed you by Mr. William Brown who is recommended as a very good Pilot for the purpose wanted and one in whom full Confidence may be placed. He will be expeditious as possible in his Journey." Signed, "John Hancock." Destouches had recently sailed to Virginia to support General Lafayette as he opposed British General Benedict Arnold. However, he was forced to return to Newport after the Battle of Cape Henry on March 16, 1781, when several of his ships were damaged. The commodore was seeking pilots to reinforce the French fleet. At the time of this letter, Governor Hancock briefly contemplated sending Destouches and his remaining ships to take Fort Penobscot, which may be what the letter is in reference to, but it was canceled this same month after General Washington voiced his concern. In September of this year, the French fleet took part in the Yorktown campaign. Destouches later saw action at the Battle of the Saintes in 1782. The letter is accompanied by a hand-colored steel engraving of Hancock published by Johnson, Fry, & Co. Condition: Rust stain at upper margin. Light scattered soiling with minor edgewear. Smoothed folds. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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