Impressively-signed manuscript DS, one page, 9.75 x 14, April 20, 1784. Governor Hancock appoints John Pickering Esq.of Salem as “a Justice of the Peace within & for the County of Essex in this Commonwealth.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Hancock, and countersigned by John Avery. Several pages of a land indenture are attached by the document’s original ribbon to the reverse. Partial separations to horizontal folds, paper loss to lower right edge, small tears and paper loss to edges, and scattered toning and soiling, otherwise very good condition. The white paper seal is crisp and intact.
John Pickering (1739-1811) was a conservative Whig from Salem. A Harvard graduate, he was the speaker of the House of Representatives of Massachusetts for several years as well as a register of deeds, judge on the Court of Common Pleas, and justice of the peace. At the time of this letter, Hancock was approaching the end of his term as governor of Massachusetts and would resign less than a year later for health reasons. An excellent example of the famous bold Hancock signature immortalized on the Declaration of Independence. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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