Autographs
Continental Navy Privateers from Boston Accuse Privateers from Portsmouth of Stealing Their Captured Naval Prizes
(JOHN HANCOCK) (1737-1793). Acting President of the 2nd Continental Congress (May 24, 1775/1777), which was meeting in Philadelphia to discuss the military threat posed by the British. A little more than a year later, Hancock was the First to Sign the Declaration of Independence.
August 29, 1776-Dated Revolutionary War, American Navy related Autograph Letter Signed, "J(ohn) Bradford" to John Hancock, one page, measuring about 14.5" x 9.25", with watermark of crowned logo and "L. V. Gerrevink", Fine. Some splits at folds have been reinforced with archival tape. Some fold intersection holes, boldly written in easily read brown ink, this historic early American Navy letter ends with Bradford's signature and flourish. Docket on the blank reverse is written in John Hancock's hand and reads: "John Bradford 1776". A fascinating letter graphically displaying that there is little if any honor among thieves, even patriotic ones, in which John Bradford, Naval Prize Agent at Boston, accuses the Privateers at Portsmouth (NH) of taking already captured vessels away from members of George Washington's "Little Navy". This letter, which illustrates how the lucrative nature of Privateering, also often interfered with patriotic motives. It reads, in part:
".... I had sent Capt. Tucker with fifteen hands to Portsm.(outh) to bring the prize round to Boston. Tucker proceeded so far as Salem where he met William Tracy, who assured him he was in Portsmouth the day before ... with Mr. Wentworth and Langdon who were determined to keep the vessel there ... Receiving this information he and his men returned ...
... if they have the authority to stop prizes that just goes into the mouth of their harbor for a night's anchorage, no more Continental prizes may be expected to this port ... All the prizes must come round coastways from the Eastward to shun the enemy's cruisers and Must Harbour Every Night (emphasis is in the original)."
After arguing that individuals who have invested no money nor taken any personal risk in capturing a ship should not be allowed to reap the rewards made from its capture, Bradford closes by stating that "... I thought it my duty sir to give this information and beg leave to offer it to the consideration of the Marine Committee." A rare early piece of American naval history.
Provenance: Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II. Ex: The Hancock-Chase Collection, formerly housed at the National Museum of American History.
In May 1775, John Hancock was elected President of the Continental Congress, which was meeting in Philadelphia. The next month, the Congress chose George Washington (1732-1799) as commander of the Continental Army. During the eight years of war that followed, Hancock used his wealth and influence to help fund the army and Revolutionary cause.
On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, a document drafted by Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) stating that the 13 American colonies were free from British rule. The document also detailed the importance of individual rights and freedoms. As President of the Continental Congress, Hancock is credited as the first Signer of the Declaration of Independence. His prominent, stylish signature became famous. (According to legend, Hancock boldly inscribed his name so the English king would not need glasses to read it.) Today, the term "John Hancock" is synonymous with "signature."
After resigning as head of the Continental Congress in 1777, Hancock had his chance for military glory in 1778, when he led some 5,000 Massachusetts soldiers in an attempt to recapture Newport, Rhode Island, from the British. Although the mission was a failure, Hancock remained a popular figure.
Hancock went on to help frame the Massachusetts Constitution, adopted in 1780, and was elected Governor of Massachusetts by a wide margin that same year. In 1789, Hancock was a candidate in the first U.S. Presidential election, but received only four electoral votes out of a total 138 cast. George Washington garnered 69 votes, while John Adams (1735-1826) captured 36 votes, earning the two men the Presidency and Vice Presidency, respectively.
Hancock remained Governor of Massachusetts until his death at age 56 on October 8, 1793. Following an extravagant funeral, he was buried at Boston's Granary Burying Ground.