Description:

Hancock John 1737 - 1793

John Hancock fills out a bill of lading for an order of barley placed by Jonathan Belcher, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, signing his uncle's name.

Partly printed document signed "Thos Hancock" in text by John Hancock and "Hugh McLean" as Master of the ship "Nancy," one page, 9" x 4.5". Boston, April 28, 1762. Completed in manuscript by John Hancock. Fine condition. Ornate pictorial "S" printed at beginning of first word.

In full: "Shipped by the Grace of God, in good Order and well Condition'd, by Thos Hancock by order of Lieut. Governor Belcher in and upon the good Ship called the Nancy whereof is Master, under God, for this present Voyage, Hugh McLean and now riding at Anchor in the Harbour of Boston and by God's Grace bound for Onslow on Truro to say, Five Hogsheads & Twelve Bags of Seed Barley Containg One Hundred & Twenmty Eight Bushells being mark'd and number'd as in the Margin, and are to be deliver'd in the like good Order, and well Condition'd, at the aforesaid Port of Onslow on Truro (the Danger of the Seas only excepted) unto The Government's Agent there or to his Assigns, he or they paying Freight for the said Goods either there or at Boston Three pounds Seventeen shillings Lawfull Money with Primage and Average accustom'd. In witness whereof the Master or Purser of the said Ship hath affirm'd to two Bills of Lading, all of this Tenor and Date; the one of which two Bills being accomplish'd, the other one to stand void. And to God send the good Ship to her desir'd Port in Safety. Amen. Dated in Boston April 28th. 1762". Signed "Contents Unknown to me Hugh McLean."

This bill of lading fills an order placed by Jonathan Belcher (1710-1776), Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia from 1761-1763, the last years of the French and Indian war. Onslow is on the north bank of the Salmon River opposite the town of Truro, Nova Scotia. Upon his graduation from Harvard in 1754, John Hancock entered his uncle Thomas's business as a clerk. One of Boston merchant Thomas Hancock's customers was the British government in Nova Scotia to whom he furnished vessels, food, and other supplies. Beginning on January 1, 1763, Hancock sent business letters to his customers notifying them that he had "taken my Nephew Mr. John Hancock, into Partnership with me, having had long Experience of his Uprightness, & great Abilities for Business..." He added that future correspondence should be to "Thomas Hancock & Company."

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