Revolutionary War–dated third-person ALS signed twice within the text, “Mr. Hancock” and “Mr. H.,” one page, 7 x 9.5, October 25, 1777. Letter to important financier Robert Morris. In full: “Mr. Hancock presents his most sincere Regards to his Friend Mr. Morris, sends him the Ballance of his acco’t, & must beg his Excuse that he has neglected so long. Mr. H. observing that Mr. Morris frequently walks with a cane takes the freedom to send him a Gold Head for a cane, of which he Requests Mr. Morris’s acceptance as a small token of his Real Regard & friendship for him.” In very good condition, with light overall dampstaining (affecting portions of the text) and scattered soiling.
Hancock's letter was written just eight days after he set out for Boston from York, Pennsylvania, Congress's new home after the British occupation of Philadelphia. On October 16th the delegates received the news of Gates's victory over Burgoyne at Saratoga, and in the midst of celebrations Hancock announced his intention to take a two-month leave from his strenuous duties as president. Robert Morris, also a signer of the Declaration as a delegate from Pennsylvania, had committed enormous sums of money to pay the Continental troops and provide for ammunition and other expenses. As a token of his appreciation for Morris’s contributions to the revolutionary cause, Hancock sent him a gold head for his cane, inscribed, ‘Robert Morris, from his friend, John Hancock.’ This became one of Morris’s most prized possessions, naming it as the second item in his will: ‘I give my gold headed cane to my son Thomas. The head was given to me by the late John Hancock Esq when President of Congress and the cane was the gift of James Wilson Esq whilst a member of Congress.’ An exceptionally desirable letter connecting two key revolutionaries, dating to an important period in the war. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA.
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