Revolutionary War–dated partly-printed DS, one page, 10.75 x 11.5, November 10, 1781. Hancock appoints Nathaniel Goodwin Esquire to be “Brigadier General of the Militia in the County of Plymouth in said Commonwealth.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Hancock as governor of Massachusetts, and countersigned by John Avery. The paper seal affixed to the upper left is cracked but fully intact. Intersecting folds with complete separations crudely repaired on the reverse (one separated vertical fold passing through the lower stroke of the "J" in his signature), brittle overall toning, a few small edge chips and tears, and trimmed edges removing a portion of a docketing notation to the left, otherwise very good condition; a desirably crisp, bold signature nonetheless. Born and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Nathaniel Goodwin enlisted early in the war as a member of Samuel Gerrish’s regiment. He most notably served in the Saratoga campaign—responsible for guarding British General John Burgoyne’s imprisoned troops following their surrender—and in the 1778 expedition to Rhode Island. He was eventually promoted to major general of militia, an office he retained until his death in 1819. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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