HANCOCK, John (1737-1793). Partly printed document signed ("John Hancock"), as President of the Continental Congress. July 5th? 1775. Counter-signed by Charles Thomson as Secretary of the Continental Congress.

1 page, oblong 4to, on laid paper, accomplished in manuscript, silked verso, separation along folds with tiny losses to a few letters of printed text and affecting the "J" of "John Hancock," some fading of ink.

A military appointment dating from the earliest days of the formation of the Continental Army, which was authorized by Congress in June of 1775. Confirming the appointment of Moody Dustin as Ensign in "Capt. Hart's company in the 28th Regiment, commanded by Col. Sargent."

Moody Dustin (ca 1742-1810) was living in Litchfield, New Hampshire at the start of the American Revolution. He was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the 16th Continental Infantry Regiment (previously known as Sargent's Regiment and later known as the 8th Massachusetts Regiment, Continental Line). On 8 November 1776, he was transferred to the 1st New Hampshire Regiment, Continental Line, and was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in Captain William Scott's company. During the Continental Army encampment at Valley Forge, First Lieutenant Dustin is listed in Captain Scott's company, and was present throughout the entire encampment from December 1777 to June 1778. He was promoted to Captain on 5 March 1778, and served until December 1783, at which point he retired to Claremont New Hampshire.