John Hancock Collection, 1776-1781

Contents and Arrangement

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Collection Overview

Creator:

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Collector:

Princeton University. Library. Special Collections

Title:

John Hancock Collection

Repository:

Manuscripts Division

Permanent URL:

http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/mc87pq25c

Dates:

1776-1781

Size:

1 box and 0.2 linear feet

Storage Note:

Firestone Library (scamss): Box 1

Language:

English

Abstract: Consists of selected correspondence and documents of American Revolutionary patriot and statesman John Hancock.

Collection Description & Creator Information

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of selected correspondence and documents of John Hancock. A brief letter to George Washington, dated 27 August 1776, accompanied "Resolves of Congress" for the general's attention. A signed letter, dated 20 November 1776 and addressed to Governor William Livingston of New Jersey, concerns the necessity of furnishing troops for the new army. In addition, there are two other documents Hancock signed as president of the Continental Congress--an appointment (16 January 1777) of Edward White as an ensign in a foot regiment commanded by Col. John Patton and an appointment (25 September 1777) of Jeremiah Tolbert as major of the Sixth Pennsylvania Regiment--and a payment voucher (1 December 1781) he signed as governor of Massachusetts.

Collection Creator Biography:

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

John Hancock, American patriot and statesman, has become synonymous with American independence. Born on January 23, 1737, in Braintree, Mass., he was educated at Harvard College (now Harvard University). In 1766 he was elected to the Massachusetts legislature, and from 1775 to 1780 Hancock was a member of the Continental Congress, serving as a presiding officer. By virtue of this office, he was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, which he did boldly in large strokes. He was the first governor of the state of Massachusetts, holding that office from 1780 to 1785 and from 1789 until his death.

Collection History

Acquisition:: The 25 September 1777 document was a gift of William B. Gilmore, Princeton Class of 1902, in 1959.
Custodial History: The collection was formed as a result of a Departmental practice of combining into one collection material of various accessions relating to a particular person, family, or subject.
Appraisal: No appraisal information is available.
Processing Information: Folder inventory added by Nicholas Williams '2015 in 2012.

Access & Use

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.

Credit this material:

John Hancock Collection; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

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