Legendary founding father JOHN HANCOCK stunning handwritten signed letter to American Patriot Reverend Jonas Clarke in Lexington, Massachusetts. Hancock was a guest at Clarkes house not only during the night of Paul Revere's ride but also during the Battle of Lexington & Concord. No date, but circa 1750-60's, Hancock writes enquiring on the health of his Grandmother. In the letter John Hancock also mentions "Jack" likely regarding a family slave who was purchased by his Grandfather. This is certainly one of the earliest example of any Hancock letter to reach the market.
Years after Hancock wrote this letter on the evening of April 18, 1775, John Hancock and Samuel Adams were visiting as guests at Clarke's house when Paul Revere arrived with the news of advancing British troops. One of the very few handwritten letters from Hancock in private hands.
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION. Sale includes original PSA Letter of Authenticity. GUARANTEED GENUINE - simply one of the finest JOHN HANCOCK documents available on the market. A high quality investment piece.
Hancock writes in full:
"My Uncle Rec'd yr. letter, is very sorry to hear his mother is so ill, & desires if she grows worse, or wants any thing, you will send Jack down (who is gone up) to let him know it. The Bearer will deliver two oranges & six lemmons. Perhaps my Grandmother may eat an orange - My best respects attend you all, & believe me to be, Dear Sir Your assured friend Jno Hancock
[W]hatever may be wanting [w]ill upon notice be immediately sent
Revd Mr Jones Clarke"
Jonas Clarke was an American clergyman who succeeded Hancock's grandfather (John Hancock Sr.) as Pastor at the Church of Christ in Lexington, Massachusetts. A prominent revolutionary, Clarke is widely credited with having helped shaped both the Massachusetts and United States Constitutions. During the revolution Clarke drafted several resolutions objecting to abuses by the British crown.
On the 22nd of April 1728, John Hancock's Grandfather purchased a teenage enslaved person named "Jack" from Isaac Powers. Jack would've been around his 50's at the time of John Hancock writing this document. In this interesting note John Hancock instructs Jonas Clarke to send for Jack should his Grandma need anything.
The letter has been matted and framed by a previous collector at the Hellman Studio in Chicago. The letter itself measures approx. 7.25"x8.25", overall frame measures 17.75"x22.75". Some creasing, intersecting folds, and partially restored areas of paper loss to the left side. Overall in fine condition for its 250+ years of age.
Please note the typed description attributes the letter to 1765, this information is likely incorrect as Hancock's only uncle Thomas Hancock died in 1764. We believe the signature to be earlier than the date provided on the typed description.
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Own a remarkable, original piece of American history! A once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the only Hancock letters ever made available for sale, made even rarer by the content. A must have addition to any collection.
Sold as is, as shown
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