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. Good content war-date D.S. "John Hancock" as Governor of Massaschusetts, 1p. 12 3/4" x 8", Boston, Aug, 20, 1781. As the "starving winter" of 1781-82 appears imminent, Hancock reaches out to neighboring Connecticut for urgently needed food for Boston. He writes to Gov. Jonathan Trumbull: "...the Inhabitants of the [City of] Boston...are in want of Provisions [for] their own Consumption and would therefore recommend Captain Joshua Payne an inhabitant of the Town of Boston for your Excellency's permission to purchase provisions for the use of the inhabitants of said Towne...". Co-signed by Secretary JOHN AVERY. With wax and paper seal affixed at left. Some slight blurring to the text and a light stain at left margin, otherwise fine condition. Beautifully double-matted in red and black, with gold wood fillets, an engraving also present, all set into a gilt wood frame and ready for display.