Manuscript DS, three pages, 7.75 x 12.5, March 6, 1783. As governor of Massachusetts, Hancock names a member to the Scarborough Court of Common Pleas, in part: “It is provided that the Governor by Advice of Council shall appoint Civil Officers…there shall be held and kept within each County…a Court of Common Pleas by four substantial discreet and learned Persons…they or any three of them shall be a Court and have Cognizance of Civil Actions of the Value of more than forty shillings…I therefore reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Loyalty Prudence and Ability of William Thompson Esq….[appoint him] one of the Justices of the Court of Common Pleas.” Signed prominently at the conclusion by John Hancock, and countersigned John Avery as secretary. The first page retains the original embossed paper seal. In very good to fine condition, with scattered staining, small areas of paper loss, and overall silking for reinforcement.
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