HANCOCK, JOHN (1737-1793), Signer (Massachusetts) . Partly printed document signed ("John Hancock," with flourish) AS PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Philadelphia, 6 February 1777. 1 page, oblong folio (8 x 13 in.), accomplished in manuscript, slight fold separations neatly mended, double-matted with a portrait and finely framed. A RARE PRIVATEER'S COMMISSION. "The Delegates of the United Colonies" certify that they have "granted...licence and authority to John Ord, Mariner, Commander of the Schooner called the Security...belonging to John Maxwell Nesbitt Esq of Philadelphia," permission to "set forth the said schooner in a warlike Manner...and by Force of Arms to attack, seize and take the Ships and other Vessels belonging to the Inhabitants of Great-Britain...on the high Seas..." The appointment also directs that any captured vessels shall be brought into ports in any of the named colonies, where they are to be condemned and judged to be lawful prizes of war. While not so-stated, the document technically constitutes a standard "letter of marque and reprisal," authorizing a privately-owned vessel to make war upon the vessels of another nation. In some cases this would prove highly lucrative. During the Revolution, some 800 American vessels were outfitted as privateers and succeeded in capturing some 600 British vessels valued at roughly $18 million.
HANCOCK, JOHN (1737-1793), Signer (Massachusetts) . Partly printed document signed ("John Hancock," with flourish) AS PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, Philadelphia, 6 February 1777. 1 page, oblong folio (8 x 13 in.), accomplished in manuscript, slight fold separations neatly mended, double-matted with a portrait and finely framed. A RARE PRIVATEER'S COMMISSION. "The Delegates of the United Colonies" certify that they have "granted...licence and authority to John Ord, Mariner, Commander of the Schooner called the Security...belonging to John Maxwell Nesbitt Esq of Philadelphia," permission to "set forth the said schooner in a warlike Manner...and by Force of Arms to attack, seize and take the Ships and other Vessels belonging to the Inhabitants of Great-Britain...on the high Seas..." The appointment also directs that any captured vessels shall be brought into ports in any of the named colonies, where they are to be condemned and judged to be lawful prizes of war. While not so-stated, the document technically constitutes a standard "letter of marque and reprisal," authorizing a privately-owned vessel to make war upon the vessels of another nation. In some cases this would prove highly lucrative. During the Revolution, some 800 American vessels were outfitted as privateers and succeeded in capturing some 600 British vessels valued at roughly $18 million.
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