Description:

John Hancock
Boston, MA, June 7, 1782
John Hancock Docketed Letter Re: Taking Money From Prisoners, JSA Certified
Docket

John Hancock (1737-1793). Manuscript Letter, 1p, in a secretarial hand, on laid paper measuring 7" x 12", Boston, June 7, 1782. With docketing at verso in Hancock's hand, "To Genl Freeman / 1782." Flattened folds with minor separation at edges. Light toning and soiling. Pencil notations from a former collector at verso. Overall, in very good plus condition. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity by JSA.

Sold at Early American for $1,960 in their 2006 auction. Ex-Sigety, Ex-Christie's.

This secretarially written and unsigned letter to General Freeman concerns the disreputable act of taking money from a prisoner of war and the official order to make every effort to have the money returned.

In full: "Your Letter with the Examination of John Christie was delivered me, and after his being examined before the Governor & Council, it was Judg'd most proper that he should be returned to New York, for which purpose I have given him in Charge to the Commissary of Prisoners, and he will be sent to New York in a Cartel that Sails this Day. I am sorry that Capt. Barlow took from Mr. Christie what little money he had, he Tells me he retain'd from him Sixteen Guineas, such Conduct brings the Commonwealth into disrepute, I am to request that you will please to give Directions to Capt Barlow to deliver you the Sixteen Guineas, & when you are avail'd of them, be so good as to send them here to the Governor & Council, who will take the first good Opportunity to forward them to Mr. Christie at New York."

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 # Z32831
  • Dimensions: 7" x 12"
  • Medium: Docket

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July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000