Manuscript DS, one page both sides, 7.5 x 12, September 18, 1782. Hancock, as Governor of Massachusetts, orders Edmund Palmer to “take the command of the Armed boat called the Speedwell of the burthen of ten Tons mounting ten Swivel guns and navigated by Sixteen men fitted out at the expense of Edmund Palmer and others of Springfield for the purpose of cruising against the Enemies of America. By virtue of the power vested in me I do by these presents (reposing special trust and Confidence in your Ability, Courage, and Conduct) commission you accordingly and give you the said Edmund Palmer full power with such persons as you shall engage to your Assistance by force of arms to Attack, Seize and take the ships and other vessels belonging to the inhabitants of Great Britain or to any subject or subjects thereof within their Tackle, Apparel, Furniture & Ladings on the High Seas or between high water and low water marks.” Emphatically signed on the reverse in black ink by Hancock, and countersigned by John Avery. Document is housed in a Parke-Bernet Galleries inventory folder. In good to very good condition, with partial separations along fragile intersecting folds, small area of professional silking to a stroke of Hancock’s signature which resulted in some ink erosion, a few other small areas of ink erosion, scattered toning, heavier to the edges, and light show-through from Hancock’s and Avery’s bold signature on reverse. The paper seal remains intact.
When the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain, they had only thirty-one ships to engage the strongest navy on the planet. To strengthen their presence on the seas, the Americans outfitted private merchant vessels to capture or disrupt enemy shipping.
Sailing as a privateer was a tremendous risk of life and resources; crews were unpaid, but were allowed to keep booty. The Speedwell is reported to have seen action attacking the Johnson, a British merchant vessel bound for New York. It was also recorded as having been captured by the British just three months after this document was produced. Hancock’s famous signature elevates this “Letter of Marque”—the license that distinguished privateers from common pirates. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
