Manuscript DS as Governor of Massachusetts, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 12.5, September 16, 1790. A document wherein Hancock, “with the advice & consent of the Council,” authorizes the “ditching, draining and flowing” of a parcel of meadow land in Braintree “in order to render the same profitable to the owners,” and that the three named contractors “receive such salaries out of the said assessments as the Governor & Council shall appoint....” Countersigned by secretary John Avery and two others. The embossed seal remains mostly intact at upper left. In good condition, with intersecting folds (slightly touching last letter of signature; separations and small holes elsewhere, principally at “spine” fold and on unsigned leaf), toning and light staining, faint show-through of ink behind signature, mounting remnants to reverse of second sheet, and slight blot to “J.” The signature is large, clear, and dark, and itself rates as near fine. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
