Description:

John Hancock
Boston, MA, November 22, 1782
John Hancock Docketed Letter: "Designs of the Enemy to destroy Albany," JSA Certified
Docket

John Hancock (1737-1793). A manuscript letter penned by John Avery (1739-1806) as secretary of the commonwealth of Massachusetts, 1p, on laid paper measuring 7.25" x 12", Boston, November 22, 1782. With docketing at verso in Hancock's hand, "To Maj'r Gen'l Danielson / 1782" Expected folds show separation and loss with a 4" separation at lower fold. Pencil notations from a former collector at verso. Toning and scattered foxing. Overall, in good plus condition. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity by JSA.

Sold at Early American for nearly $4,000 in their 2006 auction. Ex-Sigety, Ex-Christie's.

In full: "Sir, I herewith transmit a Resolution of the General Court on a Letter from Lord Stirling respecting the Designs of the Enemy to destroy Albany and make incursions into that Territory called Vermont - You will immediately upon receipt of this Issue your Orders to the Commanding Officers of the County of Berkshire to detach from his Brigade one thousand men with suitable Officers to command the same: also to the Commanding Officer of the County of Hampshire to detach from his Brigade five hundred men with proper Officers to command the same & to be duly armed and accoutered & to hold themselves in readiness to march with three Days provisions on the shortest notice from the Continental Commanding Officer at Albany or Saratoga or such other Place as he shall direct - And to Issue your Orders that the whole of the militia in the Counties of Hampshire & Berkshire be armed & equipt as the Law directs - I have informed General Lord Stirling of the measures that the General Court have taken in Consequence of his Letter and that I have Issued my orders to you to carry the same into Effect."

Timothy Danielson (1733-1791) was a major general in the Massachusetts militia during the American Revolutionary War. A Yale graduate, Danielson was a teacher and merchant who served as a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and was commissioned a colonel of a Continental Army regiment. He later became a brigadier general and was promoted to major general in 1781.

Lord Stirling (1725-1783), born William Alexander, was a Scottish-American major general during the American Revolutionary War. He commanded a brigade at the Battle of Long Island, his rearguard action resulting in his capture but enabling General George Washington's troops to escape. Stirling later was returned by prisoner exchange, received a promotion, and continued to serve with distinction throughout the war. The town of Sterling, Massachusetts, is named after him.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Provenance: JSA # Z32829
  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 12"
  • Medium: Docket

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
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$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
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$50,000 + $5,000