Lot #468

John Hancock

Description

Hancock sends a preacher “a pound of the best Green Tea,” just months before Parliament passes the Tea Act, the catalyst of the Boston Tea Party

Outstanding ALS, one page, 7 x 9, October 22, 1772. Letter to Reverend Williams. In full: “I had the pleasure a few Days past by a letter you wrote to Deacon Williams that you & Family were in health, I pray God to Continue your usefulness for a long Time, & am in hopes on the Return of another Season to See you in Boston. My Aunt Desires her particular Respects to you with every wish in your favour; upon her mentioning your fondness for Green Tea, I have Sent by the Bearer Mr. Nathan Hyde a pound of the best Green Tea in a Canister, of which I Request your Acceptance. My best wishes attend you for every Indulgence of a Kind providence.” Letter has been professionally cleaned and silked and inlaid into a slightly larger sheet. In very good to fine condition, with aforementioned restoration and some scattered light toning.

One of the wealthiest men in the thirteen colonies, John Hancock made the bulk of his fortune by smuggling a variety of imports, most importantly, Dutch tea. With the ever-tightening British policies following the French and Indian War potentially jeopardizing his business, he became one of the leaders of the revolt against British duties. Writing this letter to Reverend Williams in the fall of 1772, while serving as Commander of the First Corps of Cadets, Hancock offers a gift of what would become the catalyst import for the entire revolution: tea. When Parliament passed the Tea Act on May 10, 1773, in hopes of saving their East India Company, tensions boiled over, leading to the famous Boston Tea Party at the close of the year. An interesting, attractively penned letter, written just seven months before the Act that would finally spark the revolution. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
• Dates: #418 - Ended November 13, 2013

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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