작품 상세

JOHN HANCOCK (1737-1793) American Revolutionary politician and first signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress and two-time Governor of Massachusetts. JOHN HANCOCK SIGNS A COMMISSION FOR A BAPTIST CHAPLAIN War-date printed D.S., "John Hancock" as President of the Continental Congress, 1p. 13" x 8 1/2", Boston, Jan. 1, 1777, a military commission appointing Hezekiah Smith to be chaplain of a battalion commanded by Thomas Nixon. Signed by Hancock at the bottom in his characteristic bold hand, co-signed by Secretary CHARLES THOMSON (1729-1824). Professionally repaired at folds, some uneven toning thereat, overall very good. Sold with a variety of other documents related to Hezekiah Smith's Revolutionary War service. These includes: handwritten note, 1p. 8vo., unsigned and undated, in full: "General Washington presents his Compliments to the Reven.d Doct. Smith requests the favor of his Company at dinner to-morrow 3 o'clock", addressed to Smith while a member of Nixon's brigade. Remnants of a wax seal at bottom right, address panel toned; with a D.S. "Isaac Paine. Secretary", 1p. 8vo., Albany, Dec 12, 1777, permission granted on behalf of Gen. Horatio Gates for Smith to be furloughed, allowing him to return home to family. Folds, else very good; with two L.S.'s, both 3pp. 8vo., 1905, from a descendant of Smith's, offering to sell the above documents. Very good. Also included is a facsimile reproduction of "Chaplain Smith and the Baptists: or, Life, Journals, Letters, and Addresses of the Rev. Hezekiah Smith, D.D., of Haverhill, Massachusetts, 1737-1805", by Reuben Aldridge Guild (Salem: Higginson Book Company), 429pp. 8vo, and additional biographical information on Smith and his career. Hezekiah Smith was a Baptist chaplain who ministered to American soldiers during the Revolution. He preached to the American soldiers at Bunker Hill, before his entry into the Continental Army, and participated in the Battles of White Plains and Saratoga. At the latter, he witnessed the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. Smith became a personal friend of George Washington, often dining with the general.