ALS (a retained copy), signed “JH,” one page, 7.5 x 12, October 23, 1783. Hancock, as Governor of Massachusetts, writes to the Massachusetts General Court regarding pilotage (i.e., boat navigation) legislation. In full: “The Secretary has laid before me a Bill, entitled an Act for Altering & Amending one Clause or part of an Act made & passed the last Sitting of the General Court, entitled An Act for Regulating Pilotage in Several Parts in this Common Wealth. It is my Duty to mention to you, Gentlemen, that the Governor & Council in the Establishment of the Fees of the Vinyard Pilots, were greatly influenc’d by the Additional Expences that would arise to them from each one of them being Obliged to keep a Deck’d Boat. This Bill relieves them from that Burden, & I should think the Navigation should meet a proportionable Relief. I shall be ready to Sign the Bill if the Two houses are Pleas’d to accord in the Addition.” Formerly in the Hancock-Chase collection at the National Museum of American History. In very good condition, with folds (some tape-repaired partial separation and small associated holes affecting a few words), toning, and staining, none of the above affecting the signature. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
