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President “John Hancock” Signed Official Continental Congress “Resolve” to Authorize the Immediate Purchase Three Ships to be Outfitted for the Continental Navy in 1777

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JOHN HANCOCK (1737-1793). A Founding Father of the United States; prominent American Statesman, Merchant, “Sons of Liberty” member and Patriot, who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States; in 1774 he was Elected President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and later as President of the Second Continental Congress (1775-1777) and (1785-1786). As President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock was the First to Sign the Declaration of Independence; served as Governor of Massachusetts (1780-1785) and again (1787 until his death in 1793).

CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824). American Patriot who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States; serving as the Secretary of the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1789, making him one of the longest-serving officials in the American Congress.

March 15th, 1777-Dated Revolutionary War Period, Outstanding Content Manuscript Document Signed, “John Hancock, Presd.(ident)” of the Second Continental Congress, Very Good. Document is headed, “In Congress”, 1 page, measuring 6.25” x 8”, an extract from the minutes being Signed by both “Cha.(les) Thomson Sect.” as Secretary of Congress, and “John Hancock, Presd.(ident)” of Congress. It is Signed with a very large “John Hancock” signature as President, measuring 3.25” long at its conclusion. This important, historic early American naval authorization for the “Marine committee be empowered to give directions to the agents to purchase three Ships...”.

Research shows these three ships were among the acquisitions authorized by President John Hancock and the Continental Congress to bolster the Continental Navy's capabilities during the American Revolutionary War. The three ships purchased were named the: USS Warren, USS Effingham, and USS Fly. This Document reads, in full:

“In Congress - March 15, 1777 --- Resolved That the Marine committee be empowered to give directions to the agents to purchase three Ships and order them immediately to be (ready) and fitted out for the service of the United States be under the direction of the Marine committee. - Extract from the minutes - (Signed) Cha.(les) Thomson, Sec.(retary) - By order of Congress - (Signed) John Hancock, Presid.(ent).” -- Docket on the blank reverse side, viewed under silk reinforcement reads, in full: “Orders for purchase 3 Ships 1777 Resolve of Congress March 15 - ”

John Hancock, as President of the Continental Congress, here authorized the purchase of three ships for the Continental Navy in March 1777. These three ships were:

USS Warren: The USS Warren was originally a merchant vessel named the Hannah. It was the same vessel that had been the first to be commissioned into the Continental Navy in 1775. After being sold into private hands, it was later purchased again by the Continental Congress in March 1777 and renamed USS Warren in honor of Dr. Joseph Warren, a prominent Patriot who had been killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

The USS Effingham was a 28-gun frigate that was purchased by the Continental Congress in March 1777. It was named in honor of Lord Effingham, a British nobleman known for his sympathy toward the American cause. The Effingham was one of the larger ships acquired by the Continental Navy during the Revolutionary War.

USS Fly: The USS Fly was a smaller vessel, likely a sloop, purchased by the Continental Congress in March 1777. It was one of the many ships acquired by the Continental Navy to supplement its fleet and increase its presence at sea during the Revolutionary War.

This Document is written on laid period paper in medium to dark brown ink. The entire document is archivally laid down onto a silk fiber for overall reinforcement. It has been previously framed, showing some prior mat tone outlines shown near the outer bottom and left margin edges. Overall tone with darkening increasing along the right side to the edge, likely from humidity and ancient mold. A small 1” sealed fold split is repaired at top right between the “ar” of “March”. Roughly 25% or so along the right side has seen early repairs and conservation with some reinforced internal splits which are near invisible unless held up against a strong light. Overall, about 75% or so of this historic document remains fairly clear, written in brown ink being worthy of modern restoration.

The historic fledgling Revolutionary War American Navy content, combined with the famous large signature of John Hancock as President of the Continental Congress, conservation would certainly raise the estimated value of this Signed Document significantly, likely to the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Even so, this Resolve of Congress shows the very foundations of the fledgling American Navy of the period, then pitted in war against the most powerful naval force in World history to date. An extraordinary, highly important piece of American history, which should attract serious attention from American Naval historians, Autograph collectors, and museum curators. Provenance Ex: Private Collection; EAHA Auction of August 27, 2005 Lot 82 sold then for $11,800; to the current consignor.
John Hancock (1737-1793) was a prominent American statesman, merchant, and Patriot who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts (now Quincy), Hancock was raised by his uncle, Thomas Hancock, a wealthy merchant who later adopted him.

Hancock inherited his uncle's prosperous business, becoming one of the wealthiest men in the American colonies. He was involved in various commercial ventures, including importing and exporting goods, and became a leading figure in Boston's mercantile community.

Hancock's involvement in politics began during the colonial protests against British taxation policies, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. He was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1766 and became a vocal critic of British colonial policies. Hancock's role in organizing protests and resistance to British authority made him a target of British authorities, who viewed him as a ringleader of the colonial rebellion.

Hancock's most famous act of defiance came in 1774 when he was elected President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and later as president of the Second Continental Congress. As president of the Continental Congress, Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, famously signing his name in large, bold letters.

John Hancock served as the President of the Continental Congress twice. His first term as President of the Continental Congress began on May 24, 1775, and ended on October 30, 1777. Hancock was elected to this position shortly after the Battles of Lexington and Concord and presided over the early years of the American Revolutionary War, including the approval of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Hancock's second term as President of the Continental Congress began on November 23, 1785, and ended on June 5, 1786. During this time, Hancock presided over the Confederation Congress, which faced challenges such as economic instability and the need to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Hancock's leadership during both of his terms as President of the Continental Congress contributed significantly to the early development of the United States as an independent nation.

During the Revolutionary War, Hancock served as a major general in the Massachusetts militia but did not see significant military action. However, his leadership and financial support were instrumental in sustaining the American cause.

After the war, Hancock continued to be active in politics, serving as governor of Massachusetts from 1780 to 1785 and again from 1787 until his death in 1793. He played a crucial role in the ratification of the United States Constitution and was an influential figure in the early years of the republic.

John Hancock is remembered as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a symbol of American independence. His massive bold signature on the Declaration of Independence has made his name synonymous with “Signature”, also representing personal liberty and defiance against tyranny.

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Charles Thomson (1729-1824) was an Irish-born American patriot who played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States. Thomson served as the Secretary of the Continental Congress from 1774 to 1789, making him one of the longest-serving officials in the American Congress.

Born in Maghera, County Londonderry, Ireland, Thomson immigrated to the American colonies in his youth, settling in Pennsylvania. He became involved in colonial politics and was a strong advocate for independence from British rule.

Thomson was elected Secretary of the Continental Congress in 1774 and served in that capacity throughout the duration of the Revolutionary War. As Secretary, he was responsible for maintaining the records of the Congress, drafting correspondence, and preserving the official documents of the revolutionary government.

One of Thomson's most significant contributions was his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. While Thomas Jefferson is credited with writing the document, Thomson played a crucial role in its preparation and distribution. He was responsible for transcribing the final version of the Declaration, which was then signed by the members of the Continental Congress.

Thomson's meticulous record-keeping and organizational skills were invaluable to the Congress during a tumultuous period of war and political upheaval. He helped to ensure the continuity and efficiency of the revolutionary government, despite the many challenges it faced.

After the Revolutionary War, Thomson retired from public service and returned to private life in Pennsylvania. He remained active in civic affairs and continued to support the principles of liberty and independence for which he had fought.

Charles Thomson passed away in 1824 at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy as one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution. His dedication, integrity, and service to the cause of American independence are remembered with gratitude by future generations of Americans.
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