ALS signed “J. H.,” one page, 7 x 9.5, November 2, 1781. A draft of Governor Hancock’s message for the State Senate and House of Representatives. Hancock refuses to approve a resolve concerning the estate of an absentee landlord. In part, “The Secretary has laid before me a Resolve which pass’d the Two houses…determining the House lately occupied by Benjamin Hallowell…I have reason to think the House & Land are not (his) property, under these circumstances I cannot be expected that I should give my Sanction to the Resolve.” Hancock has crossed out two later paragraphs in which he seems to criticize the ability of the General Court to ascertain the values of estates, stating that the intended lease cost would be inadequate. He instead opts for a more diplomatic out, “Lest I should injure the Creditors of the late Benjamin Hallowell.” In very good condition, with acid-free tape repairs to total horizontal fold separations on the reverse, scattered light toning and some light edge chipping. A very important and historical signature. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
