DOCUMENT BEARING THE FAMOUS SIGNATURE OF FOUNDING FATHER JOHN HANCOCK

Document signed by John Hancock. Boston, 10 April 1787. 2 pages, folio, 7 1/2 x 12 in. Docketing to verso. 

A receipt featuring the bold and distinctive signature of Founding Father John Hancock (1737-1793). A land deed, signed by Hancock during the interregnum between his terms as governor of Massachusetts, in which he records his acceptance of £200 from Jonathan Bowman in exchange for "a certain Tract of Land" in Lincoln County.

At the time Hancock signed this receipt, he would soon start his second term as governor of Massachusetts, despite his failing health. After a prolific career in early American politics, including service as the 4th and 7th President of the Continental Congress, in which capacity he famously signed the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation, Hancock used his status to ensure Massachusetts ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1788. He was a candidate for the first presidential election but only received four electoral votes. Hancock executed the duties of his office until his death in 1793. 

[American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, Founding Fathers, Declaration of Independence, Colonial America, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe] [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs] 

Separated at fold with some archival tape. Some toning.