Partly-printed DS, signed “John Hancock, President,” one page, 10.75 x 8.5, January 1, 1776. Hancock appoints Jonathan Trask an officer in the infantry. In part: “We reposing special trust and confidence in your patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Second Lieutenant of Captain John Baker’s Infantry, in the 27th regiment of Foot commanded by Colonel Israel Hutchinson in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Second Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things, thereunto belonging. And we do strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command, to be obedient to your orders, as Second Lieutenant.” Archivally triple cloth matted and framed with an engraved portrait of Hancock, to an overall size of 27.25 x 17.5. In very good condition, apparently professionally repaired and reinforced, with intersecting folds, two through single letters of signature, scattered toning and soiling, handwritten portions of document light, but legible, and a bit of scattered light paper loss, mainly along folds.
The new year of 1776 would be one of monumental change for the young colonies. One can almost feel the revolutionary fervor emanating from this page, as the newly appointed officer is reminded of his commitment to “patriotism, valour, conduct and fidelity”—all of which would soon become tested. Trask saw action in the Battle of Bemis Heights in October 1777 and at the taking of Burgoyne at Saratoga later that same month. Trask, who less glamorously also served as a waiter to General Horatio Gates, was mentioned in Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough’s book, 1776, who referenced both Trask and his son: “Some were not even men, but smooth-faced boys of fifteen or less...little Israel Trask, who was all of ten...Israel had volunteered with his father, Lieutenant Jonathan Trask of Marblehead, and served as messenger and cook’s helper...” Nice Revolutionary association between two patriots, desirably dated 1776. Oversized. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
