Beschreibung:

HANCOCK, JOHN, Signer (Massachusetts), President of the Continental Congress . Autograph letter signed ("John Hancock," with his typical paraph) to Jeremiah Smith at Milton; Boston, [Massachusetts], 30 September 1779. 2 2/3 pages, 4to, integral address page with panel in Hancock's hand, minor holes at a few fold intersections, two small stains . A HANCOCK HARANGUE A long letter of bitter complaint. Hancock has been outraged to learn that a certain Mr. Marshall of Milton "...has said that there is money due to him from me on account of Wood, and that I refuse to pay him; he or anyone else that dare say that is a Scoundrel, and shall meet my heaviest Resentment, and moreover I have heard that the Gentlemen of Milton believe this Report...and that they are averse to cart wood for me, lest they should not be paid." Hancock vows that he has "not the least objection to their placing confidence in Mr. Marshall," but that, "to convince them that I can do without Marshall and without the aid of those Credulous Gentlemen...I shall send men to cart my wood, and also send the team from other Towns to cart it..." He asks Smith to take care of the apples in his orchards, "have them made into Cyder, and sent to me. Marshall took a load of empty Barrels, I beg you to take them from him...." The incensed Hancock complains that Marshall had probably charged him for wood not delivered: "I am now determined that he shall produce me a receipt for every cord, and if he does not comply, I shall take steps as will be very disagreeable to him....To give his Tongue such a saucy and untrue Latitude is what vexes me so much...He may depend I shall not put up with his conduct towards me. I wish to stand fair with every one but I shall make no undue condescension to any persons, either of Milton or anyplace to induce them to do businesss for me...." In closing Hancock requests that "this my letter with respect to the Money due to Mr. Marshall may be as Publick as possible...."