Partly-printed DS, endorsed on the reverse as simply “Adams,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, January 13, 1773. A writ for John Hancock to collect a debt owed to him by another man. Penned in an unknown hand, the document reads in part: “John Hancock of Boston…in a plea of the Case for that the said Joseph I. Silvanus…being indebted to the said John in the sum of fifty six pounds, three shillings & one penny, or by the amount to this Writ…did then and there promise the said John to pay him that sum on demand, & for that the said John Hancock…has sold & delivers to the said Joseph I. Silvanus…certain Goods, Wares & merchandise other than those mentioned in the schedule.” In the lower blank corner of the reverse, Adams has endorsed as “Adams”; he also adds on the front of the document at the top,“Plymouth” and “of Duxbury in our said county of Plymouth Traders.” Document also retains a partial attached receipt which coincidently incorporates the date of the Boston Tea Party, December 16, 1773 (although the Adams document offered here has no relation to the event). In very good condition, with professional repairs along intersecting folds, several other partial separations along folds, scattered toning and soiling, and archival tape repair to the reverse of a complete separation of the aforementioned attached receipt.
Pre-dating the Revolutionary War, this document nevertheless shows the long relationship between Adams and Hancock, who had known each other since childhood. In 1768, when British customs agents seized Hancock’s sloop, Liberty, and charged him with smuggling popular sympathy led to public demonstrations in his behalf. Hancock was successfully defended by Adams, who was able to get all of the charges dismissed. Two years after the issue discussed in this document, Adams recommended George Washington as commander in chief of the army, rather than Hancock, who had recently been name president of the Continental Congress—some historians say to Hancock’s great disappointment. Great association of two signers of the Declaration of Independence. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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