Partial partly-printed DS, signed “John Hancock President,” one page, 14.75 x 10, no date but circa 1775–76. Hancock appoints William Scott as a “Captain of a company in the 28th Regiment, commanded by Colo. Sargent in the army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.” Signed at the conclusion by Hancock as president of the Continental Congress. Professionally repaired to good condition, with previous separations to intersecting folds (one passing through the second letter of his last name), scattered staining and soiling, and the entire lower left quadrant being a modern fabrication to affect the appearance of a complete document.
When the Second Continental Congress convened on May 10, 1775—and when it unanimously elected John Hancock president on the 24th—it did so without delegates from Georgia, which was still hoping for British assistance with Indian problems on its frontier. Reconsidering their position, Georgia finally sent representatives in July; congressional documents issued throughout 1775 and at the start of 1776, therefore, do not have Georgia listed at the head, placing this document during that period. Hancock appoints Scott to Colonel Paul Dudley Sargent’s notable 28th Continental Regiment (later designated the 16th), which saw action at the Siege of Boston, the Battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton and Saratoga. An interesting Revolutionary document holding a bold example of Hancock’s iconic signature. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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