1728-1885; bulk: 1728-1815
Guide to the Collection
Sponsored by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Abstract
The microfilm edition of the Hancock family papers, 1728-1885, consists of manuscripts from various collections at the Massachusetts Historical Society, including the Hancock family papers.
Biographical Sketches
Thomas Hancock (1703-1764)
Thomas Hancock was a wealthy Boston merchant and the uncle of John Hancock (1737-1793). After early successes as a bookseller, publisher, and paper maker, he became an influential overseas merchant, importing manufactured goods and exporting rum, whale oil, and fish. His fortune grew during international hostilities in the 1740s when he tapped into several lucrative overseas markets, and profitable contracts supplying British forces during King George's War and the French and Indian War made him one of the richest men in Boston. He owned real estate in Boston and northern New England and was elected to the Massachusetts Council in 1758.
John Hancock (1737-1793)
John Hancock was a Revolutionary patriot, merchant, and politician. The son of Rev. John Hancock (1702-1744), minister of Braintree, he moved to Boston after the death of his father and was educated by his uncle Thomas Hancock (1703-1764). In 1754, he graduated from Harvard and joined his uncle's merchant business, taking over when Thomas Hancock died in 1764. Initially moderate, John Hancock's politics became more radical as British policies became more severe, and British attempts to raise revenue in the colonies, such as the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Stamp Act of 1765, were disastrous for his business.
Hancock's wealth and social standing made him very influential in the patriot cause. He was a Boston selectman from 1765 to 1774 and a member of the Massachusetts General Court from 1766 to 1774. When his sloop Liberty was seized by customs officers in May 1768 on charges of smuggling, a riot ensued. On March 5, 1774, he delivered a stirring oration commemorating the Boston Massacre four years before. Hancock was elected president of the Provincial Congress in October 1774, delegate to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in December 1774, and finally (by unanimous vote) president of the Congress, a position he held from May 1775 to October 1777. He presided over the debate on the Declaration of Independence and was the first to sign it in 1776.
In 1780, the citizens of Massachusetts approved a state constitution, and Hancock was elected the first governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. A popular governor, he served from 1780 to 1785 and then again from 1787 until his death. In May 1787, the Constitutional Convention convened to replace the Articles of Confederation with a federal constitution, and Hancock was named as president in January 1788. He favored ratification, but with changes that would curb some of the powers of the federal government. It was largely due to Hancock's support that the Constitution was finally ratified by a vote of 187 to 168.
John Hancock married Dorothy Quincy (1747-1830) in 1775, and the couple had two children, neither of whom lived to adulthood.
Ebenezer Hancock (1741-1819)
Ebenezer Hancock was the younger brother of John Hancock and served as deputy paymaster general of the Continental Army beginning in June 1776.
Sources
Fowler, William M., Jr. "John Hancock." American National Biography. Ed. John A. Garraty and Mark C. Carnes. Vol. 9. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. 968-970.
Fowler, William M., Jr. "Thomas Hancock." American National Biography. Ed. John A. Garraty and Mark C. Carnes. Vol. 9. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999. 972-973.
Collection Description
The bulk of this microfilm edition consists of the Hancock family papers, supplemented by letters and other papers related to the Hancock family from other collections at the Massachusetts Historical Society. The family members most prominently represented in this microfilm edition are Thomas Hancock (1703-1764) and John Hancock (1737-1793). The collection also contains some papers of John Hancock's brother Ebenezer Hancock (1741-1819), including his monthly returns to the Continental Congress as deputy paymaster general, 1776-1779. Other family members include John Hancock's wife Dorothy Quincy Hancock (1747-1830), his father Rev. John Hancock (1702-1744), and his mother Mary Hancock Perkins (1711-1757?).
This microfilm edition consists of business and family correspondence, receipts, bills, contracts, estate papers, deeds, commissions, drafts of state documents, and other papers. Subjects of letters to and from John Hancock while he served on the Massachusetts General Court and as president of the Continental Congress include: equipment, supplies, commerce, the Massachusetts militia, the Continental Army, and other subjects related to the American Revolution. The business correspondence of John and Thomas Hancock deals with finances, accounts, investments, shipping to and from Canada, and other subjects related to the merchant business. Among the correspondents represented in this collection are: William Donnison, James Murray, Thomas Cushing, Artemas Ward, William Livingston, William Heath, Robert Treat Paine, Henry Knox, Edmund Quincy, Edward Browne, Mercy Scollay, and many others. The collection also contains a letterbook, 1745-1750, and receipt book, 1747-1755, of Thomas Hancock and a letterbook of John Hancock, 1780-1782.
This guide supersedes previous guides to the microfilm edition, including the Catalog of Manuscripts of the Massachusetts Historical Society, 7 vols. (Boston: G.K. Hall, 1969).
Acquisition Information
Acquired by gifts and purchases, 1817-1935.
Detailed Description of the Collection
Items listed below are drawn from the Hancock family papers unless otherwise identified.
I. Volumes, 1745-1885
Arranged chronologically.
Includes correspondence of Fanny J. R. Gilmore, William Rotch Ware, Justin Winsor, and Charles C. Smith concerning the purchase of the volume by the MHS, 16 Mar.-16 May 1885.
Monthly returns from Ebenezer Hancock (1741-1816), Deputy Paymaster General, Eastern Department, to the Continental Congress.
II. Loose papers, 1728-1885
Arranged chronologically.
Deed of sale from Isaac Powers (Littleton) to John Hancock (1671-1752) for a Negro boy.
Account of sales of Thomas Hancock and John Wendell.
Account of Thomas Hancock with Jacob and John Wendell.
Letter from Francis Weedon (Windsor) to Christopher Kilby.
Account of Thomas Hancock with Jacob and John Wendell, Jan. 1731-22 Mar. 1732.
Account of Francis Wilks (London) with William Tyler and Thomas Hancock for the sale of a shipment of train oil and whale fins.
Letter from William Wells (St. Christopher) to Christopher Kilby about hurricane damage to shipping.
Letter from James Gooding (Falmouth) to Messrs. Tyler and Hancock about work on Hancock's ship, enclosed with receipt from Henry Woodman to Daniel Henchman, 4 June 1735.
Receipt from Henry Woodman (Milton) to Daniel Henchman, enclosed with letter from James Gooding to Tyler and Hancock, 7 Apr. 1736.
Deed from William Clarke to Thomas Hancock for a share of property located at Bellingham.
Customs certificate from William Shaeffe to Thomas Hancock for import of goods.
Account of Thomas Hancock with William Rotch for whale oil and whale bone.
Statement of Thomas Hancock and Andrew Oliver certifying their presence at the burning of merchant notes brought in by Jacob Wendell, with statements of Thomas Hancock and Daniel Henchmen certifying their presence, 29 Feb. 1740 and 29 Oct. 1740.
Certificate from William Shaeffe, customs collector at Boston, to Thomas Hancock for sewing silks shipped by Francis Wilks (London) on board the ship Peter and Mary.
Account of Thomas Hancock with Thomas Fleet for primers, 1741-1742.
Bill of exchange from C. Limbrey (St. John's, Newfoundland) to Capt. Silas Atkins, payable through Henry Limbrey.
Bill of exchange from a Fogo merchant to Thomas Hancock, payable through William Black.
Letter of condolence from Mary Hubbard (Boston) to Mary Hancock on the death of her husband Rev. John Hancock.
Certificate from John Malone (Bay Bulls, Newfoundland) to Capt. Joseph Stapledon for unloading a cargo of rum, sugar, and molasses shipped on board the sloop Charming Jenny from Boston.
Bill of exchange from Mortayn Harding (Bona Vista) for Thomas Hancock.
Draft of letter from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to [James Wibault] about shipment of supplies and the latest news of French fleet operations.
Letter from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to William Pepperrell congratulating him on his success at Louisbourg.
Account of Thomas Hancock with William More for carpenter services.
Account of Thomas Hancock with William More for work on his house.
Instrument by John Hancock (1671-1752) devising distribution of his estate.
Account of Thomas Hancock with Thomas Cole.
List of documents deposited by Sir Peter Warren with his attorneys, Charles Henry Frankland, Charles Apthorp, and Thomas Hancock, with notation by Thomas Hancock regarding their location.
Account of Thomas Hancock with James Clarke.
Invoice from Richard Hill (Madeira) to Thomas Hancock for shipment of wine and citron on board the sloop Ranger.
Letter from Jonathan Barnard (London) to Thomas Hancock about a commission for his brother at Louisbourg.
Deed of sale from Charles Brackenbury (Hull, England) to Charles Apthorp and Thomas Hancock for an assignment of convicts deported from England.
Letter from John Mitchell (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about the receipt of various articles.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about various supplies needed.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about receipt of supplies.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock acknowledging receipt of supplies requested.
Letter from John Mitchell (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about a hunting saddle, etc.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about supplies.
Letters from Jonathan Barnard (London) to Thomas Hancock about reimbursement for an insurance payment covering the shipment of Gov. Shirley's coach.
Letter from Jonathan Barnard (London) to Thomas Hancock on business matters.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock and Charles Apthorp about shipping supplies to Nova Scotia instead of Louisbourg.
Letter from Jonathan Barnard (London) to Thomas Hancock about his dissatisfaction with the settlement of Gov. Shirley's account.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock and Charles Apthorp about hiring a ship to carry stores from Louisbourg to Nova Scotia.
Letter from John Mitchell (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about business matters and the abandonment of engineering works at Louisbourg.
Duplicate of letter from Thomas and Adrian Hope (Amsterdam) to Thomas Hancock regarding a shipment of tea and paper on board the Young Jacob, enclosed with letter from Thomas and Adrian Hope to Thomas Hancock, Oct. 1748.
Letter from Thomas and Adrian Hope (Amsterdam) to Thomas Hancock about the seizure of the sloop Young Jacob carrying a consignment of tea and paper on his order and about information relating to prices of velvet, enclosed with duplicate of letter from Thomas and Adrian Hope to Thomas Hancock, 18 June 1748.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about their accounts.
Letter from John Mitchell (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock on matters relating to his account.
Duplicate of letter from Robert Ellison (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock on ordering supplies.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about accounting for missing items in his shipment of supplies.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock arranging payment for his account.
Letter from John Mitchell (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about a financial matter.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about shipping supplies and payment of his account.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about his account.
Letter from John Mitchell to Thomas Hancock about collecting payments on his money lending.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about a correction on his account.
Letter from Edward Browne (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock about securing passage to England for his servant Elizabeth Armstrong.
Draft of letter from [Thomas Hancock] (Boston) to John H. Bastide with fatherly advice and family news.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock on business matters.
Letter from William Powell (Chebucto) to Thomas Hancock about payment of his debt.
Letter from William Powell (Chebucto) to Thomas Hancock on a financial matter.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about his accounts and an order for supplies.
Letter from William Powell (Chebucto) to Thomas Hancock on business matters.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about sending supplies to his account.
Letter from William Powell to Thomas Hancock about a mistake in his account and news of a party captured by Indians.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock on a financial matter.
Letter from Edward Hows (Annapolis Royal) to officers of the Ordnance Board about drawing bills of exchange on the firm of Apthorp and Hancock.
Letter from William Powell (Halifax) to [Thomas Hancock] about buying Capt. Bellons's command.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about his accounts.
Letter from William Powell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about forwarding letters to England for him.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock on a financial matter.
Letter from William Powell to Thomas Hancock about receipt of supplies and asking him to forward his letters to England.
Letter from William Powell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock ordering supplies.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock on business matters.
Order from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to Capt. James Nickolls for a voyage of the sloop Endeavor to move troops from Castle William to Halifax.
Original and duplicate copy of letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock on financial matters.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to [Thomas Hancock] ordering supplies and about his new command at George's Island.
Original and copy of letter from Edward Browne (Placentia, Me.) to Thomas Hancock about shipments of goods going astray.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about his accounts.
Inventory of the household goods of Mary Hancock at the time of her marriage to Daniel Perkins.
Bill of exchange from Thomas Hancock (Boston) for Kilby and Barnard as a cash advance for shipment of vinegar to Nova Scotia.
Account of Thomas Hancock with John Avery, 1750-1751.
Letter from John Mitchell (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about the sale of lime to the government.
Letter from John Mitchell (George's Island) to Thomas Hancock on business matters.
Deed from Thomas Mitchell to Thomas Hancock for land in Lexington.
Bill of exchange from Robert Cole (Fogo) to Thomas Hancock, payable through William Ritter.
Letter from Thomas Hancock and Charles Apthorp (Boston) to Mr. Lombard about determining the share in prizes taken by Captain Hughes's sloop.
Note from Agnes Parker (Boston) to Thomas Hancock.
Account of Thomas Hancock with the committee for building the Groton meetinghouse.
Bond from Thomas Hawding (Boston) to Thomas Hancock, signed by John Hancock as witness.
List of persons licensed to sell tea, coffee, and china ware in Suffolk County for the following year.
Letter from Jonathan Barnard (London) to Thomas Hancock introducing his son John and asking his care.
Deed from John Cone (East Haddam, Conn.) to Thomas Hancock for land at East Haddam.
Promissory note from Benjamin Holt (Boston) to Thomas Hancock.
Order from [Thomas Hancock] (Boston), as attorney for Kilby and Barnard, to Capt. Alexander Inglish for a voyage from Antigua to London on the ship Boston, with acknowledgment by Inglish.
Memorial tribute to Mary Hancock Perkins.
Letter from Richard Streat [Treat] (London) to Mrs. Bulkeley about her son's affairs, with endorsement acknowledging receipt, 29 Apr. 1758.
Letter from Stephen Child (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about reimbursement for travel expenses for a trip to Boston and news of navy arrivals.
Letter from Patrick Mackellar (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock ordering candles, etc.
Account of John Wait with Thomas Hancock, 1756-1758.
Order from John Hancock (Boston) to Henry Atkins.
Invoice and receipt from William Millar (Boston) to the account of Thomas Hancock for a shipment of bricks and oats carried to Annapolis Royal aboard the sloop Hannah and Martha.
Receipt for powder delivered for Gen. Jeffery Amherst's troops by Capt. John Wheelwright.
Account of carpenters and masons employed by the Board of Ordnance at Annapolis Royal, 1 Oct. 1758 to 12 Oct. 1758, signed by John Hancock as witness, with memorandum of payment by Thomas Hancock.
Contract of Thomas Hancock with Alexander Sweeny (Boston) for charter of the schooner Appollo to carry troops to Annapolis Royal.
Promissory note from Nathaniel Cotton (Boston) to Thomas Hancock, with memorandum of payment by John Hancock.
Draft of letter from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to General Wolfe about shipment of draft oxen, etc., with drafts of two letters, 10 May 1759.
Letter from George Bastile (Louisbourg) to Thomas Hancock inquiring about damage to his wardrobe in the Boston fire.
Manuscript copy of Jonathan Belcher's proclamation relating to the recent settlement of Province lands, with notation by Richard Bulkeley to Thomas Hancock regarding its publication in Boston newspapers.
Receipt from Joseph Woodmass (Halifax) to Benjamin Green for payment of a sum of money to the account of Thomas Hancock and Charles Apthorp.
Text of receipt from Thomas Pownall (London) to Thomas Hancock for the return of Province money left in his keeping, written by John Hancock and signed by Pownall.
Letter from Thomas Stephens (Charlestown) to Thomas Hancock about his potash interests and his pamphlet "The Rise and Fall of Potash in America."
Letter from Trecothick & Co. (London) to Thomas Hancock about John Hancock's transactions in London.
Letter from Kilby, Barnard, and Parker (London) to Thomas Hancock on business matters, enclosed with copy of letter from Kilby, Barnard, and Parker to Thomas Hancock, 6 Dec. 1760.
Copy of letter from Kilby, Barnard, and Parker (London) to Thomas Hancock on business matters, enclosed with letter from Kilby, Barnard, and Parker to Thomas Hancock, 31 Mar. 1761.
Order from David Pryce (New York) to Isaac Randall to carry provisions to Quebec on the schooner Dolly.
Receipt from Gilbert Harrison (London) to Thomas Hancock on behalf of Kilby, Barnard & Co.
Letter from George Dyson (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock about army supplies.
Certificate of naval service and recommendation from Edward Mountford (Portsmouth) to William Hindson.
Draft of letter from [Thomas Hancock] (Boston) to C. M. Wrangel on business matters.
Draft of letter from John Hancock (Boston) to David Allen on business matters.
Deposition of Thomas Hancock (Boston) regarding restitution in the capture of the ship William Galley, with deposition of John Wendell, 8 Mar. 1756.
Letter from Jonathan Bowman (Pownalborough) to Thomas Hancock about sending him supplies.
Contract of Thomas Hancock with Daniel Bragdon for charter of the sloop Good Intent for the transport of troops and provisions to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, signed by John Hancock as witness.
Contract of Thomas Hancock with William Duff for charter of the ship Endeavor for use as troop and supply transport, signed by John Hancock as witness.
Contract of Thomas Hancock with Samuel Crocker and Samuel Sturgis for charter of the ship Lucretia for use as transport to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, signed by John Hancock as witness.
Contract of Thomas Hancock with Edward Grow for charter of the ship Charming Molly for use as transport to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, signed by John Hancock as witness.
Letter from Thomas Saul (Bristol) to Thomas Hancock about official appointments at Nova Scotia and changes in the British ministry.
Order from Miles Greenwood (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock to pay Joseph Winniett for carting provisions.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Joseph Hawley about legal proceedings against Eleazer Burt.
Memo by John Hancock on David Allen's investment.
Letter from David Allen (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about his investments.
Letter from David Allen (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about an investment.
Account of Thomas Hancock with Joseph Halley [Hawley].
Letter from Joseph Hawley (Northampton) to Thomas Hancock about a legal matter.
Draft of letter from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to Joseph Halley [Hawley] authorizing him to represent his interests in a business matter.
Copy of Thomas Hancock's will, probated 10 Aug. 1764, enclosed with letter from Dorcas P. Gay (Gardiner, Me.) to R. C. Winthrop, 16 May 1885.
Letter from Dorcas P. Gay (Gardiner, Me.) to R. C. Winthrop about the will of Thomas Hancock, enclosed with copy of Hancock's will, 5 Mar. 1763.
Bill of exchange from Thomas Williams (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock for Joseph Winniett.
Bill of exchange from Thomas Williams (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock for Stephen Rodda.
Bill of exchange from Thomas Williams (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock for Robert Campbell.
Account of Thomas Williams with Thomas Hancock & Co.
Letter from David Allen (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about business affairs.
Receipt from Samuel Winsor (Boston) to Jonathan Hoar for payment of the charter of the sloop Unity.
Notary's protest by William Tudman (London) against non-payment of a bill of exchange from Joseph Woodmass (Halifax) to William Woodmass for Thomas Hancock, with copy of bill, 11 Jan. 1763.
Letter from Matthew Woodford (Southton) to Thomas Hancock about army supplies.
List of treasurer's notes and Faneuil Hall lottery tickets held for David Allen, with memo on the loss of New London lottery prizes.
Bond from Thomas Crandon to Thomas Hancock.
Letter from Hugh Wallace (New York) to Thomas Hancock on business affairs.
Letter from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to Thomas Pownall about the presentation of Pownall's portrait to the governor and Council of Massachusetts, with receipt from Thomas Pownall (London) to John Hancock for settlement of his account with Thomas Hancock, 23 Mar. 1769.
Bill from Nathaniel Hurd (Boston) to Thomas Hancock for engraving a seal for Gov. Wilmot of Nova Scotia.
Bill from John Tarbox (Boston) to Thomas Hancock.
Bill of exchange from Thomas Williams (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock for Mrs. Mary Winniett.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Joseph Woodmass on business matters.
Order from Ebenezer Thayer, Jr. (Braintree) to Thomas Hancock on business matters.
Order from John Mackett (Boston) to Thomas Hancock for payment to Jacob Coplen for shipment ballast.
Bond from Thomas Hancock to John Bryant.
Order from Thomas Williams (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock for Stephen Rodda.
Letter from David Allen to Thomas Hancock about investments.
Letter from [Thomas Hancock] (Boston) to Joseph Halley on business matters.
Letter from Folger & Gardner (Nantucket) to Thomas Hancock & Co. on business matters.
Order from Thomas Williams (Annapolis Royal) to Thomas Hancock & Co. for Capt. George Mitchell.
Letter from Benjamin Green (Halifax) to Thomas Hancock about the overdue balance on the government's account and means for payment.
Invoice from [John Hancock] (Boston) for a cargo of whale oil shipped to London on the Boston Packett by Thomas Hancock & Co.
Receipt from James Dickey (Boston) to John Hancock for shipment of supplies to the troops at Ft. Cumberland on the ship Lucy, with receipt from Joshua Winslow (Port Cumberland) to James Dickey for delivery, 30 Aug. 1764.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Josiah Barker and Jonathan Burnell about his business relations with them following his uncle's death.
Invoice from John Hancock (Boston) for shipment of whale oil on the brigantine Lydia.
Letter of condolence from Thomas Pownall (London) to John Hancock on the death of his uncle Thomas Hancock and about property left in his charge, a collectorship at Pownalborough, and his past service to the Province.
Statement from John Hancock to the estate of Peter Warren of Warren's account with the Thomas Hancock estate, 1759-1765.
Statement from Ben Jackson of Thomas Hancock's account with Jackson's father Joseph Jackson.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Gen. Thomas Gage about accounts, with draft of letter from [John Hancock] to G. Maturin about receiving Gen. Gage's warrant for payment of his account and forwarding his dispatches to Halifax.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Thomas Pownall about Pownall's investments and the embarrassed state of American trade.
Letter from Thomas and Adrian Hope (Amsterdam) to Thomas Hancock, William Tyler, and Capt. Joseph Frost about news of the fall of Flanders, with copies of letters relating to commodity prices, the capture of their vessel Three Friends, and the arrival of Capt. Forsyth. [duplicate of letter, 8 Aug. 1765]
Account of John Hancock with Messrs. Folger and Starbuck for a voyage to South Carolina.
Bill of exchange from William Doliber (Boston) to Barnard and Harrison for John Hancock, endorsed by John Hancock.
Bill of exchange from John Hancock (Boston) to Matthew Woodford for Barnard and Harrison for advance payment for the purchase of provisions for Nova Scotia.
Letter from Joshua Winslow (Cumberland) to John Hancock on business matters.
Letter from John Barnard (London) to John Hancock about colonial trade.
Bond from John Hancock for money borrowed by Stephen Sewall, professor of Hebrew at Harvard, with Hancock's signature or initials appearing 11 times through 1783.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to David Allen about Allen's note.
Statement from John Hancock to David Allen of his monies left in the hands of Thomas Hancock, 1763-1766.
Deed from Joshua Freeman to John Hancock for the benefit of creditors.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Benjamin Gerrish on matters of business.
Letter from Jonathan Barnard (London) to John Hancock about his Boston property.
Letter from Joshua Winslow (Cumberland) to John Hancock about army supplies.
List of bills and remittances on John Hancock's account with Harrison, Barnard, and Spragg.
Lists of bills and remittances of [John Hancock] drawn on Harrison and Barnard.
Letter from David Allen (Haverfordwest) to John Hancock about investments.
Bill of exchange from John Hancock (Boston) to Matthew Woodford for Harrison, Barnard, and Spragg.
Bill of exchange from Benjamin Gerrish (Halifax) to Chauncy Townsend for John Hancock, endorsed by John Hancock.
Account of [John Hancock] of the sale of cargo salvaged from the wreck of the Betsey on Cape Cod.
Letter from Joshua Winslow (Chignecto) to John Hancock about accounts and garrison supplies at Chignecto.
Bill from John Hancock (Boston) to Artemas Ward for broadcloth, etc.
Bill from Oliver Wendell (Boston) to John Hancock for turtles and pineapples.
Letter from merchants of Boston about the local non-importation movement.
Letter from John Mein (Boston) to Thomas Longman on business matters.
Letter from Giles Tidmarsh (Halifax) to John Hancock about army supplies.
Receipted bill to Blanchard and John Hancock for freight and wharfage.
Order from John Davis (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Receipt from Richard Billings (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock for money to be accounted for by John Hancock.
Letter from Thomas Longman (London) to John Hancock about action against John Mein.
Letter from Thomas Longman (London) to John Hancock about taking legal action against John Mein.
Pages from notebook of [John Hancock].
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Col. Jackson ordering a beaver hat. [inserted in James Parton, Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin (New York, 1865), part IV, p. 128]
Letter from Thomas Longman (London) to John Hancock about his legal action against John Mein.
Bill from Edward Sanders (Boston) to John Hancock.
Letter from George Hayley (London) to John Hancock about sending him a gift of table china.
Copy of letter from Hayley and Hopkins (London) to John Hancock on business matters, with letter from Hayley and Hopkins (London) to John Hancock, 17 Feb. 1770. [incomplete]
Letter from [James Murray] (1713-1781) (Boston) to John Hancock about John Mein's affairs.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to James Murray about John Mein's affairs.
Copies of letters from Hayley and Hopkins (London) to John Hancock on business matters.
Bill from Moses Peirce to John Hancock for freight.
Letter from Thomas Longman (London) to John Hancock about his legal action against John Mein.
Bill of exchange from Samuel Broome & Co. (New York) to John Hancock for Gerard G. Beekman, with Hancock's acceptance.
Deposition of John Mein (London) in the case of Longman vs. Mein, presenting various charges in connection with John Hancock's conduct toward him, with copies of related letters, including letter from James Murray (Boston) to Stephen Greenleaf about the appraisal of the attached effects of John Mein, 7 Mar. 1770; letter from James Murray (Milton) to Stephen Greenleaf stating the case of John Mein in opposing the Boston merchants' non-importation agreement, 25 Apr. 1770; and letter from Stephen Greenleaf (Boston) to James Murray about measures to open John Mein's bookshop and the appraisal of his effects, 4 May 1770.
Letter from George Hayley (London) to John Hancock about Mr. Blanchard's affairs.
Draft of letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Thomas Longman and Wright and Gill denying he was offered adequate security on John Mein's debt settlement.
Draft of letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Thomas Longman and Messrs. Wright and Gill about the trial in the suit against John Mein.
Letter from Thomas Longman (London) to John Hancock about his legal action against John Mein.
Bill from Joseph Wheaton to John Hancock for the purchase of a patent windlass.
Bill from Peter Rose (Boston) to John Hancock for shoes.
Order from James Gardner (Boston) to John Hancock for a pair of shoes for Mrs. Jane Henry.
Order from Samuel May (Boston) to John Hancock for pork for Mrs. Paul Simpson.
Promissory notes from Joseph Jackson and Thomas Young to John Hancock, with notation by John Hancock correcting the date of inception.
Bill of exchange from John Hancock (Boston) to Hayley and Hopkins for Henry Knox.
Bill from William Thompson to John Hancock.
Receipt from Reuben Macy (Boston) to John Hancock for a cargo of hemp to be delivered to Timothy Coffin at Nantucket on the ship Mary.
Letter from Richard Coffin (Boston) to John Hancock on a business matter.
Bill of exchange from John Hancock (Boston) to Hayley and Hopkins (London) to pay to Henry Knox.
Note: This letter is printed in Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, June 1928, p. 304.
Receipted bill from John Cushing to John Hancock for whale oil.
Receipted bill from David Force (Boston) to John Hancock for the purchase of hogs.
Bill from John Bryant (Boston) to John Hancock for the purchase of beef.
Letter from Daniel Perkins (Bridgewater) to Ebenezer Hancock about procuring a log of wine.
Letter from Daniel Perkins (Bridgewater) to Ebenezer Hancock about family news.
Letter from Richard Perkins (Bridgewater) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to James Athearn about a supply of whale oil.
Letter from Godfrey Malbone (Pomfret) to John Hancock about a mortgage.
Account of John Hancock with Adino Paddock for chaise and tack repairs.
Bill of exchange from John Hancock (Boston) to Ben and Pugh (London) for Samuel Abbott & Co.
Receipt from William Browne (Salem) to John Hancock for the purchase of a pair of horses.
Order from Thomas Walker (Boston) to John Hancock.
Invoice from Ebenezer Hancock (Boston) of material charged to John Hancock for delivery to Sampson Stoddard, with instructions from John Hancock to his brother Ebenezer.
Promissory note from John Hancock (Boston) to Capt. Joseph Hood.
Letter from James Scott (London) to John Hancock about business matters and the proposed act of Parliament to close the port of Boston.
Bill from Richard and David Owen to John Hancock for a scarlet suit, etc., with letter from Richard and David Owen (London) to John Hancock, 17 Nov. 1783.
Notary's protest by Tobias Atkinson against non-payment of a bill of exchange from John Hancock (Boston) to Hayley and Hopkins for Samuel Eliot, with copy of bill of exchange, 2 Apr. 1774.
Letter from James Scott (London) to John Hancock about business matters and shipping arrangements in the face of the closure of the port of Boston.
Notary's protest by William Tudman (London) against non-payment of a bill of exchange from John Hancock to Hayley and Hopkins for Joseph Russell & Son, with copy of bill of exchange, 21 Apr. 1774.
Letter from Joseph Warren (Boston) to Ebenezer Storer, with reply by Storer and postscript by John Hancock as president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. [inserted in Eliza S. Quincy, "Memoir," I, 110-a]
Bill from Boston Post Office to John Hancock for postage, 1773-1775.
Order from Nathaniel Balch (Boston) to John Hancock for Thomas Knox.
Bill from Isaac Basset[t] (Lynn) to John Hancock for shoes.
Copy of Benjamin Franklin's proposed Articles of Confederation in John Hancock's handwriting.
Transcript of letter from John Hancock (New York) to Dorothy Quincy about his journey and a description of his entry into New York and activities there.
Letter from John Lowell (ca. 1739-1793) (Charlestown) to Mrs. John Hancock about the difficulty in getting out anything more out of her house in Boston.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) relating to the consignment of flour to the committees of correspondence for the use of the army.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Joseph Warren about the appointment of George Washington as commander in chief and other military measures taken by Congress.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Artemas Ward listing officers and their rank.
Note: This letter is printed in Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, XII, p. 122.
Commission of Artemas Ward as first major general of the Continental Army, issued in Congress on 19 June 1775, signed by John Hancock and attested by Charles Thomson, enclosed with letter from John Hancock to Artemas Ward, 22 June 1775.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Artemas Ward about George Washington leaving to take command of the army and Ward's commission, enclosed with commission of Artemas Ward, 19 June 1775.
Letter from John Hancock (Watertown) to Dorothy Quincy about his activities and his plan to leave and join her at Fairfield. [photocopy]
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to James Bowdoin about the arrival of James Bowdoin, Jr. from Europe.
Copy of letter from Gen. Philip Schuyler (Albany) and others, commissioners of Indian affairs for the Northern Department, to John Hancock, president of Congress, about an inquiry into the Indian statement on disputed Susquehanna lands.
Letter from William Bant (Rehoboth) to John Hancock about their business affairs and Hancock's debt.
Account of John Hancock with Samuel Sellon for blacksmith services, 1774-1776.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about Cushing's replacement as Massachusetts delegate to Congress, reports from the Canada expedition, and Thomas Paine's Common Sense.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about the expiration of his term as Massachusetts delegate to Congress, military activities, and provision to send money to him for ship construction.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about expediting naval construction and showing favors, if possible, for his brother.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to John Thomas, enclosed with commission from John Hancock to John Thomas, 6 Mar. 1776.
Commission from John Hancock to John Thomas as major general, enclosed with letter from John Hancock to John Thomas, 6 Mar. 1776.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about naval construction and asking for his commission as major general that he "may appear in character."
Order from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to the Continental treasurers authorizing payment to the Congressional Committee for Encouraging the Manufacture of Firearms.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about the evacuation of Boston, etc.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Artemas Ward about Congress's acceptance of Ward's resignation.
Letter from Mercy Scollay (Boston) to John Hancock about Joseph Warren's children.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing, enclosing a resolve of Richard Henry Lee, etc.
Note: This letter was deposited by the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, 17 Apr. 1960.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Gen. Heath introducing Col. Roberdeau.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about privateering successes, with list of prizes taken, including the ship Chance and the sloop Congress, and descriptions of their cargoes.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to the Indians, by order of Congress, explaining the reason for conflict with Great Britain.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about progress being made with the navy, enclosing a list of ships, names of captains, number of guns, and the colonies from which they sailed.
Letter from William Jackson (Boston) to the Council of Massachusetts Bay regarding the seizure by soldiers of the goods of Cyrus Baldwin, with certificates on behalf of Mr. Jackson.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about additional naval appointments, etc.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about settling his Marine Committee accounts and construction of the frigates.
Letter from Benjamin Church, Sr. (Boston) to John Hancock asking for help in getting his son released from prison and about his difficulties in this and in business matters.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Artemas Ward asking him to take command of the Eastern Department.
Letter from William Bant (Boston) to John Hancock about taking care of his business at Boston and about town news, with memorandum by Hancock recording receipt of a donation from Thomas Jefferson for Albemarle Co., Va., 2 Sep. 1776.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Ebenezer Hancock about money for the troops, on resolve of Congress, 31 July 1776.
Copy of letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing authorizing him to outfit the frigate Boston under the command of Capt. McNeil to capture or drive away the British frigate Milford.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Jefferson notifying him of his appointment as an American commissioner to France.
Letter from William Bant (Boston) to John Hancock about his business affairs, news of Boston with store locations on Long Wharf, ships, and privateering successes.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about finishing the second frigate and Capt. Manly.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about commissions for the frigates' officers and the theft of Massachusetts dispatches to the Continental Congress.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Gov. William Livingston requesting troops to guard the salt works at Tom's River and to prevent Tory information from reaching Howe.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Artemas Ward about Ward's pay while continuing in command after his resignation, enclosed with copy of resolution of Congress, 7 Nov. 1776.
Copy of resolution of Congress relating to Gen. Artemas Ward's pay continuing after his official resignation, enclosed with letter from John Hancock to Artemas Ward, 8 Nov. 1776.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Gov. William Livingston warning him of the approach of the British fleet.
Letter from William Bant (Boston) to John Hancock about the conduct of his business at Boston.
Circular letter from John Hancock (Baltimore) to Gov. William Livingston about the necessity for greater military exertions, with postscript congratulating him on George Washington's success in New Jersey.
Letter from John Hancock (Baltimore) to Robert Treat Paine about his situation in Baltimore, war news, etc.
Bill from Stephen Hall (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Copy of letter from John Hancock (Baltimore) to General Artemas Ward about funds for bounties and recruiting.
Letter from John Hancock (Baltimore) to Robert Treat Paine about war matters.
Letter from John Hancock (Baltimore) to Robert Treat Paine about a contract for howitzers, with postscript about sending him his trunk, on resolve of Congress, 7 Feb. 1777.
Letter from John Hancock (Baltimore) to Governor Livingston about New Jersey troops.
Letter from the Marine Committee (Philadelphia) to John Bradford to secure and arm three ships to be commanded by John Paul Jones and others.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to the Continental commander in Boston about powder from France.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Thomas Cushing about the officers for the new Continental vessels.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives about compensation to Charlestown for war losses.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to General Heath about Peter P. Frye.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Gen. William Heath introducing Dr. Cutting, apothecary general of the American hospitals.
Letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to Gen. William Heath asking him to help Mr. DuCoudra's agent collect the baggage left in Boston.
Copy of letter from John Hancock (Philadelphia) to General George Washington about the arrival of the British fleet in the Chesapeake.
Letter from William Heath (Boston) to John Hancock about pardoning Peter P. Frye and asking him to raise the salary of the post of deputy paymaster general held by his brother Ebenezer Hancock.
Letter from [John Hancock] to Gen. Heath releasing a detachment of dragoons to his service.
Bill from John Neat to Ebenezer Hancock for a child's coffin.
Letter from John Hancock (Rhode Island) to his wife about the progress of the Rhode Island expedition.
Letter from John Hancock [Boston] to Jeremiah Powell, Mr. Pitts, and Mr. Wendell inviting them to dine and mentioning having Count D'Estaing to breakfast.
Letter from [John Hancock] to Gen. Heath declining his invitation to dine.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to President Langdon about settling his accounts as Harvard treasurer.
Letter from Artemas Ward (Boston) to John Hancock about his delay in settling his accounts as Harvard College treasurer. [same as draft of letter from Artemas Ward to John Hancock, 9 Dec. 1778]
Letter from Robert Smythe (York Island) to John Hancock asking asylum in Massachusetts, with postscript relating to transmittal of his message, 3 Apr. 1779, enclosed with letter from Joseph Webb to John Hancock, 28 Apr. 1779.
Letter from Joseph Webb (Wethersfield) to John Hancock about the commissioners' attempt to settle the war, enclosed with letter from Robert Smythe to John Hancock, 2 Dec. 1778.
Draft of letter from Artemas Ward (Boston) to John Hancock about his delay in settling his accounts as Harvard College treasurer. [same as letter from Artemas Ward to John Hancock, 30 Nov. 1778]
Letter from Israel Williams (Hatfield) to John Hancock about his indebtedness and reproaching him for his attitude toward him.
Letter from Godfrey Malbone (Pomfret) to John Hancock about certain land deals.
Letter from Hope & Co. (Amsterdam) to William Bant.
Copy of Council resolve that Gen. John Hancock replace the garrison at Castle Island reduced by Paul Revere's expedition to Penobscot, copied by John Avery for Col. Thayer, Col. McIntosh, Col. Stoughton, and Col. Holliston.
Letter from Jonathan Bowman (Pownalborough) to John Hancock about his desire to dispose of his Maine lands.
Letters from Henry Quincy (Newton) to John Hancock about the appraisal of the Parker farm in Newton.
Receipt from Joseph Cowell (Boston) to Henry Quincy for money received via John Hancock.
Letter from David Hall (Sutton) to John Hancock offering to purchase his property in Sutton.
Letter from Jeremiah Allen (Nantes) to John Hancock about buying clothes for him and Mrs. Hancock when he gets to Paris.
Letter from Henry Quincy (Cambridge) to John Hancock about selling him farm equipment, with receipt in his hand acknowledged by Eunice Quincy.
Letter from Aaron Cleveland, John Johnson, Joseph Palmer, Ebenezer Scarborough, and Samuel Scarborough (Pomfret) to John Hancock asking him to act as agent in a land deal, with Hancock's acceptance, 14 Oct. 1780.
Receipt from William Burbeck (Boston) to John Hancock for money to pay the soldiers at Castle Island.
Letter from Capt. Samuel Talbot and Lt. Lemuel Gay (Stoughton) to John Hancock resigning their commissions because of undemocratic suffrage in Massachusetts.
Letter from Benjamin Kimball (Boston) to Gov. John Hancock asking for help in setting up a shop in Boston's South End.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to General Heath about a receive of the Massachusetts General Court.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Gen. William Heath about recruiting expenses.
Letter from John De Neufville and Son (Amsterdam) to John Hancock about Anglo-Dutch hostilities.
Reply by [John Hancock] (Boston) to an address from the Massachusetts General Court.
Bill from Daniel Williams (Pembroke) to John Hancock for rent of his house due 6 Sep. 1777 and for replacement of furnishings.
Draft of letter from Meshech Weare (Hampton Falls) to Gov. John Hancock complaining about the practice of recruiting men from New Hampshire to fill the Massachusetts quota.
Bond from Abraham Hunt and John Hancock to Isaiah Doane.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to General Heath about recruits and provisions.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to General Heath on army matters.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Isaac Smith and others, a committee of Boston merchants, about their request that the French squadron in the harbor be put to sea.
Letter from Edward Phelon (Boston) to Gov. John Hancock denying authorship of a certain "scurrilous" letter.
Copy of message from John Hancock to the Massachusetts General Court submitting the case of John Temple, sent to Temple and James Bowdoin.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Caleb Davis requesting supplies for the keeper of the hospital on Rainsford Island.
Draft of letter from Meshech Weare (Exeter) to Gov. John Hancock about an American prisoner on parole who has knowledge of British intrigues in Vermont.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Robert Treat Paine about action against John Temple, enclosing a Council resolve and papers relating to the Temple case by Temple, John Avery, and others, 26 Oct.-7 Nov. 1781.
Letter from Allen McLean (North Bolton) to John Hancock about having settled the mortgage on his farm with Thomas Hancock.
Statement relating to a financial dispute between George Dana and Jonathan Danforth.
Letter from Lavallin Barry (Baltimore) to John Hancock requesting reimbursement for services as an express rider in 1777, with receipt from Rachel Renout to Hancock for the amount and Hancock's notation concerning the transaction, 5 Apr. 1782.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to John Temple, enclosed with copy of letter from John Hanson to John Hancock, 1 Mar. 1782.
Copy of letter from John Hanson (Philadelphia), as president of Congress, to Gov. John Hancock calling for an examination of John Temple's conduct, enclosed with letter from John Hancock to John Temple, 21 Mar. 1782.
Letter from John Temple (Boston) to John Hancock welcoming the investigation into his conduct by the Massachusetts Council. [retained draft]
Copy of letter from John Hanson (Philadelphia), as president of Congress, to Gov. John Hancock calling for an examination of John Temple's conduct, enclosed with letter from John Hancock to Robert Treat Paine, 21 Mar. 1782.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Robert Treat Paine about action against John Temple, enclosed with copy of letter from John Hanson to John Hancock, 1 Mar. 1782.
Receipt from James Greene to John Hancock for payment for mustard.
Copy of message from John Hancock (Council Chamber) to the Massachusetts General Court concerning the investigation of John Temple's conduct.
Receipt from Land and Gould to John Hancock for payment of his bill for shaving and having wigs remade.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Solomon Davis on money matters, with receipt from Davis to Moses Cleveland for payment of a sum on John Hancock's account, 5 Aug. 1782.
Draft of notice from [John Hancock] (Council Chamber) to Beriah Norton requiring his attendance before the Council.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Meshech Weare concerning the safety of the French ships at Portsmouth. [negative photostat]
Letter from [John Hancock] (Boston) to Jabez Bowen about an alert relating to enemy troop movements and pledging aid when needed. [negative photostat]
Drafts of letter from [Meshech Weare] (Hampton Falls) to John Hancock about preparations in New Hampshire in case of a British naval attack.
Release from Margaret Tidmarsh to John Hancock for receipt of the legacy bequeathed her by her niece Lydia Hancock.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to General Heath on the general state of affairs.
Receipt from John Mory [Morey] (Boston) to John Hancock.
Bond from Nicholas Bowes and John Hancock to Harvard College for John H. Bowes, signed by John Odin.
Dinner invitation from John Hancock to Judge and Mrs. Increase Sumner.
Letter from John Temple (Boston) to John Hancock about the bond for good behavior he gave in 1781.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to John Temple about Temple's bond for good behavior he gave in 1781.
Bill to John Hancock for inoculations at the Point Shirley Inoculating Hospital, with receipt from Thomas Welsh to John Hancock for payment.
Letter from John Hancock to his wife about his activities and preoccupation with matters concerning the Council and General Court.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Meshech Weare about cooperation by New Hampshire in regulating Merrimac River fisheries.
Letter from Harrison Ansley & Co. to John Hancock about filling his order for goods.
Letter from David Pryce (Taunton, England) to John Hancock asking him to ship him fish and geese.
Letter from Winckworth Tonge (Halifax) to John Hancock about his inability to discharge his debt due to the low state of his affairs.
Draft of order from John Hancock (Boston) to Captain Isaac Cazneau, et al., about relief of a Dutch man-of-war.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Gov. William Livingston introducing James Sullivan.
Order from John Hancock (Boston) to Caleb Davis for Thomas Marshall.
Order from John Hancock (Boston) to Caleb Davis for Israel Hubbard.
Account of John Hancock with Caleb Davis.
Bill from William Donnett (Boston) to John Hancock for blacksmithing services, with receipt.
Statement from Benjamin Lincoln, Jr. of John Hancock's account with the James Otis (1725-1783) estate, 1783-1785.
Letter from Mercy Scollay (Boston) to John Hancock about presenting him with a pair of ruffles worked by Sally Duncan.
Bill from Thomas Russell (Boston) to John Hancock for wine.
Letter from Edmund Quincy (Boston) to Mrs. John Hancock about Maine lands, etc.
Bill from James Morton (Boston) to John Hancock for shoeing horses and oxen.
Letter from Walter Nisbet (Nevis) to John Hancock about his North Carolina property.
Memo by [John Hancock] on Maine lands.
Receipt from John Hancock (Boston) to Asa Spalding for payment on a note of Moses and Aaron Cleveland.
Bond from John Hancock to Isaiah Doane.
Promissory note from Thomas Popkin (Boston) to John Hancock.
Account of John Hancock with Tuthill Hubbart and William Gooch, 1774-1787.
Letter of resignation from John Hancock as a member of the committee of Brattle St. Church, with draft of Isaac Smith's reply, 18 Jan. 1787.
Account of John Hancock with Thomas Bass for his services and expenses, 1785-1787.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to General Knox about his plans for traveling.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Isaac Smith about selling his pew in Brattle Street Church, enclosing reply, 20 Mar. 1787.
Receipted bill from Albany Cushing to John Hancock for emptying the privy.
Latin school exercise of John Hancock.
Page of accounts to John Hancock for food and spirits supply.
Copy of letter from Isaac Coffin (Quebec) to the Council about detaining American fishing boats, including the Thisbe, in the St. Lawrence River and asking to overturn the attorney general's ruling, with enclosed correspondence relating to the incident and extracts from the Council minutes, 14-24 July 1787.
Letter from Henry Knox (New York) to John Hancock about a bill for the use of Mrs. McEwens's house during his visit.
Bill from Prince Hall to John Hancock.
Letter from Ephraim Spooner (Plymouth) to John Hancock about his efforts to have Mr. Eldredge released from debtors' prison.
Return of votes for Bristol County representative to Congress.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Gov. William Livingston about ratification of the Constitution by Massachusetts.
Dinner invitation from John Hancock to Judge and Mrs. Increase Sumner.
Dinner invitation from John Hancock to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Treat Paine, with appended notes made by R. T. Paine from European Magazine, Dec. 1793.
Address from [John Hancock] to the Massachusetts General Court about the choice of George Leonard and George Partridge as representatives to Congress.
Appraisal by [John Hancock] of Hancock lands. [2 copies]
Address from [John Hancock] to the Massachusetts General Court about the acceptance by George Leonard and George Partridge of their Congressional appointments.
Letter from Edmund H. Quincy (Portsmouth, N.H.) to John Hancock on legal matters.
Letter from Edmund H. Quincy (Portsmouth, N.H.) to John Hancock on business matters.
Receipt from John Hancock (Boston) to Asa Spalding.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to Henry Knox introducing John Sewall, on letter from Henry Jackson to Henry Knox, 1 Sep. 1789.
Receipt from Thomas Spriggs (Boston) to John Hancock.
Petition to Gov. Hancock from inhabitants of Ashfield, Mass., for the appointment of Phineas Bartlett as justice of the peace.
List by [John Hancock] of civil officers in various Massachusetts and Maine counties with proposers.
Letter from John Hancock to Dr. John Warren.
Report of the committee of the Massachusetts General Court on the petition of William Frobisher relating to the manufacture of potash and pearlash.
Receipt from Samuel Dillaway to John Hancock for payment for lumber.
Message from John Hancock (Council Chamber) to the Massachusetts General Court.
Bill from Thomas Durfee (Freetown) to John Hancock for butter delivered to Rhode Island in 1778, with notation of payment by John Hancock, 5 Mar. 1790.
Letter from John Davis, Josiah Stratton, and Henry Taft, selectmen of Holden, to John Hancock thanking him for his donation of land for building a church.
Promissory note from John Hancock (Boston) to Benjamin Austin, Jr., with Austin's receipt, 15 Mar. 1790.
Account of stocks of John Hancock transferred to Nathaniel Appleton's office.
Letter from William Moseley to William Donnison, enclosing bill of exchange for John Hancock's account.
Letter from Edmund H. Quincy (Portsmouth) to William Donnison about John Hancock's affairs in his care.
Letter from Thomas Bromfield (Islington) to John Hancock about entering the stock brokerage business.
Massachusetts Senate resolve regarding ordnance.
Massachusetts Senate resolve accepting the proposals of Joseph Ruggles and Ralph Smith to provide supplies for the garrison and convicts on Castle Island.
Letter from William Donnison (Worcester) to John Hancock about taking care of the settlement of a legal matter at Northampton.
Letter from John Hancock (Boston) to General Knox about a present of fish.
Receipt from John Hancock to Jacob Baldwin for payment on his bond.
Directive of the Massachusetts Senate to Jonathan Warner and William Heath to form a committee to ask the governor and Council for adjournment, signed by Samuel Phillips and David Cobb.
Docket and endorsement by John Hancock of a letter from William Donnison. [main body of letter missing]
Letter from William Donnison (Boston) to Gov. Hancock about militia reviews.
Letter from William Donnison (Boston) to Gov. Hancock about initiating a suit against Timothy Dwight at Northampton.
Letter from William Donnison (Springfield) to Gov. Hancock about the Hampden County militia.
Letter from John Tracy (Newburyport) to John Hancock asking him to indemnify Capt. Joseph Wells in the matter of a stowaway slave.
Message from John Hancock to the Massachusetts General Court.
Bill from Elkanah Cushman to Thomas Hancock for hair dressing.
Letter from Mercy Scollay to John Hancock about her sick mother.
Message from [John Hancock] to the Massachusetts General Court.
Draft of message from John Hancock (Concord) to the Massachusetts General Court submitting accounts for the service of the Boston militia at Castle Island during the smallpox epidemic and for the services of Dr. Eustis.
Answer of the Massachusetts General Court to Gov. Hancock's speech at the opening of the session.
Letter from William Donnison (Boston) to John Hancock about Hancock's property and business affairs.
Message from John Hancock (Concord) to the Massachusetts General Court.
Letter from Mary Jeffrey (London) to John Hancock about her stormy transatlantic passage.
Letter from Thaddeus Burr (Fairfield) to John Hancock about building materials for his new house at Fairfield.
Letter from Thomas Hancock (Lincoln) to Thomas Fletcher about a personal tribute to [John] Hancock.
Letter from Josiah Thacher (Boston) to Gov. Hancock about a justice of the peace for Gorham, Maine.
Promissory note from John Hancock to the Union Bank, Boston.
Promissory note from John Hancock to the Union Bank, Boston.
Letter from William Donnison (Philadelphia) to John Hancock about his trip to Philadelphia to transact Hancock's business.
Letter from John Hancock, Jr. (Boston) to Thomas Hancock.
Copy of John Hancock's proposal to the French consul regarding the sale of prize cargoes taken by the privateer Rolland with proceeds to be held in escrow for determination by the U.S. government, with objection by the consul Mr. [Geyer].
Letter from William Donnison (Boston) to John Hancock about news from France and privateering activity.
Letter from William Donnison (Boston) to John Hancock about renting wharf space to an agent of the French Marine and about privateering activity.
Receipt from Joseph May (Boston), on behalf of John Hancock, to Samuel Lyman for payment on Jacob Baldwin's bond, on John Hancock's receipt to Baldwin, 2 June 1791.
Letter from Joseph How (Fitchburg) to Dwight Foster asking him to correct military records relating to his army rank during the war so that he can receive proper compensation.
Receipt from Dorothy Quincy Hancock, as administrator of the estate of John Hancock, to Samuel Lyman for payment on Jacob Baldwin's bond.
Order from Daniel Scudder (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Order from Giles Richards (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Order from John Odin, Jr. to Ebenezer Hancock.
Order from Joseph Scott (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Promissory notes from Thomas and John Hancock (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock.
Bill from John Cushing (Boston) to Thomas and John Hancock.
Letter from Richard Perkins (Boston) to Ebenezer Hancock about the division of the John Hancock estate.
Letter from Thomas Hancock (Boston) to Jeremy Belknap about the purpose of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Bill from Richard Perkins to the estate of John Hancock for services and travel expenses.
Account of Richard Perkins with Ebenezer Hancock for services and expenses, 1 Mar. 1796-1 Apr. 1798.
Account of Richard Perkins with Mrs. Mary Perkins for services and expenses, 1 Mar. 1796-1 Apr. 1798.
Letter from J. T. Kirkland (Boston) to John Hancock, enclosing certificate of his election to the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture.
Letter from Ebenezer Lowell (Newburyport) to John Hancock, Jr. about the settlement of his mother's estate.
Petition by Dorothy Quincy Hancock Scott, administrator of John Hancock's estate, to sell real estate to satisfy debts, with objection by Ebenezer Hancock, John Hancock, Jr., and Samuel Spear.
Petition by Dorothy Quincy Hancock Scott, administrator of John Hancock's estate, to sell real estate, with copy of probate court finding.
Preferred Citation
Microfilm edition of the Hancock family papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.