Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
John Hancock presided over a flourishing shipping and mercantile business in Boston. After the Revolutionary War, he served as the first and third Governor of Massachusetts, which included Maine until 1820. Hancock County, incorporated in Maine in 1789, was named for John Hancock.
Hancock served as president of congress during the debate for independence. When the Dunlap Broadside circulated on July 5, 1776, only the names of Hancock and the Congress’ secretary, Charles Thomson, appeared on the document. For months, these were the only two names directly associated with the Declaration of Independence.
Written five months after the vote for independence, Hancock's letter to the Assembly of New Hampshire discussed the need for caution when empowering an army. While greater force was needed to effectively oppose the British, memories of the British occupation in Boston provided a need for caution when it came to military strength and influence.
Transcription
About This Item
- Title: John Hancock on the expansion of military authority, Baltimore, Maryland, 1776
- Creator: John Hancock
- Creation Date: 1776-12-30
- Subject Date: 1776-12-30
- Location: Baltimore, Baltimore County, MD
- Media: Ink on paper
- Dimensions: 31.90748 cm x 20.15998 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 420, Box 58/15
- Collection: John S. H. Fogg autograph collection
- Object Type: Text
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- United States. Declaration of Independence.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783.
- United States. Declaration of Independence--Signers.
- United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Causes--Congresses.
- Hancock, John, 1737-1793.
- Hancock, John, 1737-1793--Correspondence.
- Hancock, John, 1737-1793--Political activity.
People
Other Keywords
- Continental Army
- Declaration of Independence
- Levies
- New Hampshire Assembly
- Revolutionary War
- Signers
- War of Independence
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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