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HANCOCK, JOHN

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23. JOHN HANCOCK A.E.S. signed in text "Mr. Hancock" on the verso of an A.D.S. of ALEXANDER LORD COLVILLE (d. 1770), British naval commander at Halifax through much of the Seven Years War, 1p. oblong 8vo., Northumberland, Halifax, Apr. 6, 1762, noting the receipt of "...A Pacquet from Sir Jeffery Amherst, under Mr. [Thomas] Hancock's Cover. The said...is entitled to be paid according to agreement, provided he carries the Letter which I now give him, directly to Mr. Hancock at Boston..." On the verso Hancock dockets the receipt in full: "Lord Colvill's Receipt for the Packett sent him by Mr. Hancock from General Amherst by the Express Vessell Capt. Howes." Thomas Hancock made a fortune supplying British troops at Halifax during the Seven Years War in addition to his vast smuggling activities. The next year, due to ill health, Thomas would make his nephew John a full partner in his mercantile business. John inherited the whole enterprise upon Thomas' death in 1764. Irregular margins, usual folds, light soiling, otherwise very good condition. $600-800

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