ALS (a retained copy), signed “JH,” one page, 7.25 x 6, May 9, 1782. Hancock, as Governor of Massachusetts, writes to the Massachusetts General Court regarding the difficulty in obtaining funds to improve the barracks at Castle Island. In full: “Immediately after the Secretary laid before me your Resolve of the 7th Inst. I issued a Warrant & made Applications to the Treasurer for the Money to purchase the Materials necessary for the Repairs of the Barracks at Castle Island, but could obtain none […] of which will prevent me from Carrying into Effect your Resolve of April 26th requesting me to order the Recruits to the Castle, the Barracks in their present State being entirely unfit for their Accommodation. Should the General Court think proper to make any other Disposition of those men, I will use all possible means to have it Executed.” Removably mounted by its corner tips and matted and framed with a previous description and two portraits of Hancock to an overall size of 22 x 18. Complete horizontal separation and related paper loss (professionally repaired) affecting a few words, partial separation to a crossed-out line of text, toning, and light edge wear, none of the above affecting the signature, otherwise very good condition. Formerly part of the Hancock-Chase collection at the National Museum of American History.
When he was elected governor in 1780, one of the greatest obstacles Hancock faced was paying for victory in the War of Independence. Massachusetts had contributed more men, money and resources than any other state, and while it had the highest taxes in the fledgling nation, it was deep in debt. As Hancock discovered, the state could not afford the necessary improvements to the military base on Boston Harbor’s Castle Island, one of the oldest continuously fortified sites in British North America. During the Siege of Boston at the beginning of the Revolution, Castle Island was the main base of military operations for the British. In 1797, the fortifications on Castle Island would be renamed Fort Independence. Interesting insight into the dilemmas faced by Hancock and the young state of Massachusetts. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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