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Manuscript DS, signed “John Hancock,” one page, 7.75 x 12.5, November 4, 1790. As governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock certifies the election of Elbridge Gerry as a Congressman. In part: "Know ye, that the Hon'ble Elbridge Gerry, esq'r, on the fourth day of October…was chosen by the people of this State, legally qualified therefor, a Representative to represent them in the Congress of the United States of America." Prominently signed at the head in ink by Governor John Hancock, and countersigned at the conclusion by John Avery as secretary. The white paper seal affixed at the upper left remains intact. In very good to fine condition, with scattered staining, affecting only appearance.
With this document, John Hancock certified the re-election of Elbridge Gerry to a second term in Congress. Gerry had played a major role in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, famously refusing to sign the Constitution because it did not contain a Bill of Rights. After its ratification, Gerry recanted his opposition and was elected to the inaugural United States Congress, where he was actively involved in the drafting and passage of the Bill of Rights as an advocate of individual and state liberties. He would also go on to serve as vice president under James Madison, but might be best remembered as a result of his support of politically advantageous redistricting—a process now commonly known as 'gerrymandering.'
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