Autographs
1781 Governor John Hancock Signed Revolutionary War Orders the Payment of a Huge Sum for an Army Private's Pay in Compensation "To make good the Depreciation of his wages..." Including Two Related Treasury Documents
JOHN HANCOCK, (1737-1793). First Signer of the United States Declaration of Independence with his huge bold signature written at top center, Patriot of the American Revolution, Prominent Colonial Boston Merchant, President of the Second Continental Congress, the First & Third Governor of the State of Massachusetts, for whom "John Hancock" became a synonym for "Signature."
Trio of related Revolutionary War Period Massachusetts Documents, attesting to the ravages of the Depreciation of Colonial Paper Money, and the Continental Congress's issued Continental Currency of the War period. This pair of rare Documents includes:



1. January 27, 1781-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Partly-Printed Document Signed, "John Hancock" as Governor of Massachusetts, measuring 6.25" x 8.25", 1 page, Boston, Choice Very Fine. Together with two additional related Manuscript State of Massachusetts Fiscal Treasury Documents. This is the primary Document in this group. It is nicely Signed, "John Hancock" as Governor, a "Warrant" Order for Paying... "the Sum of Ten hundred Sixty eight pounds three shillings and four pence" to be paid "unto Jesse Parker - a private in Colo.(nel) Nixons Regt...". This payment specifically stated, "to make good the Depreciation of his wages to the 31 Decr. 1779 inclusive agreeable to the annexed Certificate." Light quarter-folds with the rich brown handwritten text easily readable. Boldly Signed "John Avery" as Secretary at bottom, made to "Henry Gardner Esq. Treasurer". John Hancock's signature is large and dark, with his flourish below measuring a large 2.5" long.



2. Original Manuscript Document being the "Annexed Certificate" (attached) also well handwritten and signed being on clean laid period paper with one small edge burn not affecting any text. It measures about 5" x 7" it is contemporarily attached by a red wax seal to connect at the upper left corner to the primary "John Hancock" Signed form above. It is easily readable as follows, in full:



"His Excellency the Governor & Council --- This Certifies there is due to Jesse Parker a private in (William) Toogood('s) Company Col. Nixon's Regiment the Sum of Ten Hundred and Sixty eight pounds three Shillings and four pence to male good the Depreciation, of his wages in full to the 31 Dec.(ember) 1779 inclusive agreeable to the Resolves of the General Court for this purpose. 1068.3.4 noted (three years man). - Boston 26 January 1787, True Copy - Attest (Signed) "John Avery Sr." -- (Signed by) - John Deming; Stephen Gorham; Peter Boyer - Committee".



3. Also included is a Manuscript Statementon clean laid period paper, measuring 2.5" x 8.25" written by and Signed, "Jesse Parker" as the soldier who's "Warrant" by John Hancock was authorized. Here, Jesse Parker writes, in full:



"To - The Honourable Henry Gardner Esqr. -- (Treasurer of Massachusetts) -- Sir Pleas to Deliver to the Bearer the whole of my notes Due to me from the State, on account of Making up the Soldiers, and you will Oblige your Humble Servt. -- (Signed) Jesse Parker".



A rare archive Trio of original source Documents, whereby Governor John Hancock then hereby directs Henry Gardner, the Massachusetts State Treasurer: "You are, by and with the Advice and Consent of Council, ordered and directed to pay unto Jesse Parker, private in Col. Nixon's Regmt." 368 pounds, 3s. 4p."to make good the Depreciation of his wages...".



Jesse Parker saw service with a distinguished unit: Colonel John Nixon was Captain of a Militia unit that fought at Lexington (April 19, 1775); then Captain of the 2nd Massachusetts regiment (May to December 1775) and was wounded at Bunker Hill. A very rare original trio of related Revolutionary War documents, attesting to the ravages of the Depreciation of Colonial Paper Money and the Continental Congress issued Currency of the period. (3 items).