Partially-printed DS, signed in the text “John Hancock,” one page, 9 x 4.5, June 7, 1766. Partly-printed document with approximately 100 additional words in his hand, being a manifest for “the good ship called the Liberty” bound for London and carrying “casks of Oyle…Barrells of Tar…Turpentine…Pott Ashes…Logwood…and six thousand White Oak Barrell Staves, more or less.” In 1768 the Liberty was accused of smuggling Madeira. It was seized in harbor by the British and a riot on shore ensued (June 10, 1768) making Hancock a popular hero. He was threatened by the Crown with fines of nearly £100,000 for the Liberty affair. Though the fines were never collected, neither was Hancock's ship returned. The Liberty was condemned, converted into a coast guard and eventually burned by an angry mob. According to the Dictionary of American Biography the whole episode, both because of the popular feeling aroused, and because of the legal questions involved, was one of the most important in the prelude to the revolution. In very good condition, with document having been professionally silked on the reverse, moderate toning and haloing to most of the handwriting (but scarecly affecting Hancock’s signature), a few small edge chips and spots of ink erosion, and previous folds. A significant document relative to the American Revolution. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
