John Hancock: His Book

Front matter

Abram English Brown

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Preface

WHILE engaged in the preparation of an article upon the mercantile life of John Hancock, my attention was directed to a volume of manuscript of possible use in my line of study.

Curiosity led me to a thorough examination, requiring many weeks of the most studious labor, the result of which was first given to the public through the columns of the Boston Transcript. The interest manifested was sufficient to induce me to issue this volume in hopes that it might create a demand for a life of John Hancock, which may be given the public by other hands.

Courtesies aiding in the preparation of this volume have been received from John Ward Dean, A.M., librarian of the New England Historic Genealogical Society ; Samuel Arthur Bent, clerk and treasurer of the Bostonian Society ; Mr. Harrison Gray Otis ; the historical societies of the towns of Concord, Lexington, and Bedford; and from Allen Coffin, Esq., of Nantucket, Rev. E. G. Porter of Boston, Mrs. William Wales of Dorchester, Mrs. Lydia Taft of Boston, owner of the portraits of Thomas Hancock and wife, and other interested friends of a long-neglected patriot.

ABRAM ENGLISH BROWN.

Chapter I.— Introductory And Biographical

Neglect of John Hancock. Family Record. Adoption of the Boy John by Thomas Hancock. In Latin School and Harvard College. Boyhood Visits to Lexington and Bedford. Sojourn in England.

CHAPTER II. ge ASO, Pati er. 5) ae, Meares The Famous Autograph. Hancock Wharf. John Wendell a Fellow-Merchant. The Bowes Family at Bedford and

Boston.

John Hancock enters the Firm. Garrison Supplies. Death of John Wendell. Sir Peter and Lady Warren. Tory Row.

Family Supplies. The Boston Packet. James Scott first appears. Ship Coa] from Newcastle. Settling General Whitmore’s Estate. Thomas Hancock fails in Health. Garrison Supplies. Province Treasury as a Bank.

CHAPTER INV 7 diced hi ee ee re see Peta. 2

Thomas Hancock’s Private Charity. Launching of the Boston Packet. Her First Voyage. James Otis as Attorney. Other Noted Lawyers. Hancock sends for Wigs. Costumes of the Time. Correspondence with Lady Warren. Aid to Prisoners at Brest. Hancock Firm lost Control of Nantucket Oil-Trade. Deals in Mortgages. ;

Passengers to England. William Rotch in the Commercial Business. James Scott advised to Prudence. Death of Thomas Hancock. Funeral Customs. John Hancock and Nantucket Merchants. Group of Old Boston Merchants. London Insurance.

vii

PAGE viii CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER: VETi< 30> oo Beckce. pee, Ce oa ee a Effort to collect Bills in London. John Hancock aids Relatives and Friends. An Eye for Business. In Quarantine. Resolves to do no More Business on Shares. Watches Competitors. Small-pox injures Business. Sends to London for Shoes. His Boston Shoemaker. Sends for Sea-Coals, Tea, Hemp, ete.

CRAPTERCVIL2 9 Oees Gye ae ee eee ek Revenue Laws make Bankrupts. Sir Peter Warren. Hancock tries to form an Oil-Trust. John Hancock’s Financial Straits. Hancock's Dinner-Party with William Rotch. Chosen on the Board of Selectmen. Draws from the Province Treasury. Invoice of Silks.

CHAPTER IX, . . 1. . : ee a ee ee ren ys;

Rivalry between Hancock ae Rei ich Hancock as a Financial Adviser, Trade with Madeira. Compassion for the Aged. John Hancock’s Ship Liberty and Her First Communication to London, Stamp Act a Cruel Hardship. Stamps arrive. Severe Treatment of Oliver and Hutchinson. New Brig Harrison, John Hancock will not be a Slave. Hancock makes a Record for Posterity.

CHAPTER {A ules ee tine” dome ot op) omy hs ke <a e e e )

People refuse to use Stamps. Large Tax paid by the Hancock Firm. Evil Forebodings of November First. Slaves in the Colonies. Boston instructs Representatives in General Court. John Hancock appeals to Heaven. Sends to London for Books — a Gift for Harvard College. John Hancock in Despondency. Ships Goods without Stamps. Goods ordered on Condition of the Repeal of the Stamp Act. No Telephone. Rides to Lexington.

CHAPTERTAI .. 425% cy, a, Bae TOS Ever Ready to aid Worthy Youle Men. Hancock neglects His Own Business for the Good of His Country. A General Business Agency. List of Merchants associated with Hancock. Orders Goods in Case the Stamp Act is repealed. ‘*Hancock and His Crew.” Loss by Wreck. Colonel Henry Bromfield. Richard Clark. Hancock in Town- Meeting. Garrison Supplies.

Carrer XI... Envueie iui pecs. 122 Hancock starts a Young Man in Business. Boldly declares His Rights. Introduces William Bowes. Solicits Business.

CONTENTS ix PAGE Merchants in London feel the Business Depression. Utterances of the Press. Liberty Tree. Hancock on Committee of Resolutions for Town of Plymouth.

CRAPTeR KIA ke a Be eas 3 eo oh RR, a2 The Repeal of the Stamp Act. The Welcome News brought by Hancock's Vessel. The Public Rejoicing. Hancock freely treats to Madeira. Inscriptions to Liberty engraved by Paul Revere. Hancock in General Court.

- Hancock’s Ill Health. A Merchant’s Shrewdness, Absorbing Cares. Power of Resentment. Boston Harbor frozen over. Scarcity of Money. “Hancock represents Boston in the General Court. “Hancock recommends James Otis, Esq., as an Attorney. Change in London Agents. Hancock scatters Guineas among His Poor Tenants. Non-Importation Resolutions are revived. Orders Wine from Madeira. Hancock had Everything to lose and Nothing to gain.

CHAPTER AV. Gus 3. : ery Wy Raped Exe Unanimous Election to the Genet aun. Hancock and Haley _ exchange Presents. Town-Meeting adjourned to South Meeting-House. Troops arrive in Boston to compel Submission. “Hancock denies a Bold Accusation. New Agreements in Regard to Trade. General Court removed to Cambridge. Hancock vindicatés Himself.

CHAPTER AVG. 0. as Phat Mink sg Spat 5 172 Hancock recovers from sie fincas? Gifts to Brattle- Street Church. Hancock Memorials in Country Towns. Gift of a Fire-Engine to Boston. John Hancock commissioned a Colonel of Cadets. Journey to Connecticut. Boston Tea- Party. Hancock sends William Palfrey to carry News of Destruction of Tea to Philadelphia.

CHAPTER Vee ee ta taae og tn pen tam fe | FOS William Palfrey conducts Hancock’s Business. John Hancock delivers the Massacre Oration. Arrival and Reception of General Gage. Colonel Hancock and the Cadets. Hancock’s Commission revoked. Legislature meets at Salem. Last Session called by a Governor under the Crown. Provincial Congress at Concord and Cambridge. Boston School-boys keep a Secret, and save the Cannon. Indignation of Treatment of a Billerica Man. Gage’s Army injure Hanx CONTENTS cock’s Property. Notable Gathering at Lexington Parsonage. Battle of Lexington. Flight from Gage’s Army to Burlington and Billerica.

peutic AVIS) eer eee : . : Nyohn Hancock chosen President of the Soca Coitinental Congress. He is proscribed by Proclamation of General Gage. A Love-Letter and Subsequent Marriage.

‘ Hancock’s Letter to Washington in Regards to Banienine Boston. Letter to Canada. Rejoicing at Washington’s Report of the Evacuation of Boston. Occupants of Hancock Mansion during the Siege of Boston. Hancock denounces Charge against the Provinces. Hancock and His Wife invite General and Lady Washington to their home at Philadelphia. Declaration of Independence. Flight to Bskimores Birth of a Daughter to John and Dorothy Hancock. “Hancock’s Appeal for Protection of New England.

CHAPTERT A\c)s cc tials Coates, ees ge ee Congress returns to Philadelphia. Letter to Mrs. Hancock. Hancock resigns as President of Congress. Returns to Boston. Reception. “*Elected to Town Office. Military Service. Reception to French Fleet. Hancock pays Bills for Boston’s Honor.

CHAPTER XXI. fet. es Ses = ee

PAGE

Again in General Court. ‘Severe on the Loyalists. In Conven- ° tion to form the State Constitution. Elected the First Governor under the Constitution. Rev. Dr. Samuel Cooper preached the First Election Sermon. Calls for Financial Consideration from Government. Hancock resumes Business. Letters to London, Orders for Family Supplies.

CHAPTERSAXIL, «555 cy copier aig ot ee he eelareeeal, Hancock Mansion and Gardens. Noted Guests entertained. Household Supplies. Mrs. John Hancock’s Apparel. Hancock Coach. Governor John Hancock pays the Debt to Nature. Funeral of the First Governor of the State of Massachusetts. Mrs. Dorothy Hancock marries Captain James

Scott. Madam Dorothy Scott and General Lafayette.

CHAPTER XXIII. ° ° . ° e .} ° ry ° Financial Retrospect.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

John Hancock, by Copley . . . . . . . . Frontispiece Rev. John Hancock, Grandfather of ey ate oe: Page 3 Mrs. John Hancock, Grandmother of the Patriot . . . . “ng Nicholas Bowes’s Candlestick . . . ......2.. “sg Nicholas Bowes’s Inkstand Dish . . . . ...... dks | Autograph ofijohn Hancock (240008) 6 -0)5 ee sae Bet Dominie:Manse, Bedford. 2.660 6) OO 8 eae Se ike Hanceck Mansion, Boston oH 322. Fw ett?

Reproduction of Letter of 17630. 2 6 2 2 8 ee eee P| Phomastitancock$:/55 650.0 PT, OE I Ets e'gG Mrs: Thomas: Hancock sj00.)0) bf Sos ee SINE Apthorp Fouse, Cambridge <9 co...) 6 las Sertesans Me AG Longtellow 1100se. 40. ee it et Re i: 33

Autograph of James Scott ... . . sew ee bie kar 34 AUS POON TACKEL Ca eet ee et a” te ane Be sea 23) James Otis. .: ee Oe OR Te ee Crs, Cocked Hat and Hat- Box ing? SE25GRR TIE he Se cha Rotch Warehouse, Nantucket . . . . . . 1... - “43 Gov. William Shirley and Autograph . . . .... . eee Old State-House. . . fais aS es es “ 58 Hancock Table and Paciahings ae *=5 Snaateeter mcr ane “ 60 Hancock Autograph Letter of 1765 . . .- . . .... “ 63 Walliage KOteWEr awGaesce te! eh AN PS Does + 765 Bill of Exchange of 1766 .5.3) o).srlejew So ae 8 a

Harrison Gray, Province Treasurer . . . . . . » «= - ode HS Pacsinse OF StAMO occ ot pete oe 8 apg ao “ 83 Letter of 1765. ... . Bien or erg eceecat ey 54 Cert aoe Home of Rev. John Hancock, iden ere ees “ go John Hancock’s Book-Plate. . . . . + «+ «6 «© © «© « “97

-

Book-(itlets cate eee sl es) eke us. ees OF, xil LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

John Hancock’s Money-Book .

Hancock Family Tomb at Lexington

Faneuil Hall of 1763 tins Invoice Head used by John EaAcock eran tS aces

Old South Meeting-House .. .

Osgood House, Andover. . . . . «© « + «© ¢ Hancock Sun-Dial .

Autograph of Isaac Cazneau, Jr. . . . . ~ - Autograph of William Palfrey . . . . . . « « Hancock Doorknocker . ........

The Province: House «3 2. he se one Home of Isaac Royall, Medford . . . ... .

Autograph Order . . . pk ei ies Ok Parish Meeting-House, Cones: A Hubbard House, Concord ....... .

Site of Amos Wyman House, Billerica. . . . .

Forest Path taken by Hancock and Adams, April 19, Precinct Parsonage, Burlington . . . a John Hancock, President of Continental Congress . General George Washington eee Wee Mrs: John Hancockas.. 400 er). tesc al aen Autograph of William Hoskins.

Facsimile of Letter to Mrs. Mary Haley

Scarlet Velvet Coat, etc. . ~Geinen fae 3 Hancock Monument in Granary Burying- iciound MadamScott:. spre.) 2 OS ee ee 2 ee

-

> ee ees

Fobn Hancock, His Book

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL

NEGLECT OF JOHN HANCOCK. FAMILY RECORD. ADOPTION OF THE BOY JOHN BY THOMAS HANCOCK. IN LATIN SCHOOL AND HARVARD COLLEGE. BOYHOOD VISITS TO LEXINGTON AND BEDFORD. SOJOURN IN ENGLAND.

“He who would study the career of Hancock must glean it piecemeal from the brief notices of the encyclopeedias, the pages of general history, and the biographies of other men,” said Curtis Guild, Jr., at the unveiling of the memorial to John Hancock in Boston, on Sept. 10, 1896. Various reasons may be assigned for this neglect. Hancock died at the age of fifty-six years, and left no descendants. His numerous relatives received and enjoyed his great wealth; but neither pride nor gratitude incited them to the work of writing the life of their benefactor. His unremitting toils and sacrifices for the public good during the most trying period of the history of this republic may have been so far overshadowed by his unaccountable management of the treasury of Harvard College as to deter any man of that institution from undertaking the work.

I

Joie. ai NCOCK, HIS BOOK wae are Phenkfud ae the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has so far repaired this neglect and paid her debt of gratitude as to erect the monument now to be seen at the tomb of her first governor in the Old Granary Burying-Ground, Boston ; and it is hoped that some pen is now at work upon an adequate history of John Hancock which the public will welcome before many years,

It is not the purpose of this volume to supply the longfelt want, except in so far as the letters of the man may afford slight glimpses of it. Ruskin has said that “the true biography of a nation is written in the book of its deeds, the book of its art, and the book of its words.” It is to the book of the deeds and words of John Hancock that I wish to direct my readers.

There is no better way in which to reach the real sentiments of a man than through his private correspondence. Speeches are for the public, and often are more truly the voice of the people than of the speaker ; but in letters to trusted friends the man records his real self. It is my purpose to allow the letters of John Hancock to speak for him, introducing only such familiar facts of history as are needful to make clear the longhidden utterances of the man, These letters cover that period of our history which Rufus Choate said was the most significant, but most neglected decade, — that from the revenue acts to open hostilities. But before brushing away the dust of a full century from this worm-eaten volume of manuscript, let me pause to introduce my friend to the rising generation. I say “my friend” because I rate in my circle of friends all whose labors have conspired to give to me this glorious heritage of freedom.

He was the third in as many generations of the famteen

INTRODUCTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL 3 ily to bear the name, John Hancock, in the history of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay. The first, his grandfather, was Rev. John Hancock, pastor at Lexington for many years. He was often called Bishop Hancock because of his wide field of great usefulness. His residence, the old parsonage, is now eagerly visited at Lexington by tourists, who seek for the place of entertainment of the patriot John Hancock on the eventful night of April 18,

1775. The second generation was Rev.

John Hancock of Braintree (Quincy) ; he was pastor there from 1726 till his death in 1744. He, as pastor and parent, placed the outward seal of baptism upon the third John in January, 1737. The same hand performed . similar act on the REV. JOHN HANCOCK, GRANOFATHER innocent brow of John OF THE PATRIOT.

Adams. By the early

death of this pastor, a widow and three young children became objects of the solicitude of their friends.

There was living in Boston a brother of the deceased pastor, Thomas Hancock, who with his wife, Lydia Henchman, was blessed with wealth and all that it could procure ; but no little feet pattered about their elegant mansion on Beacon Hill, and they early opened their hearts and home to the boy John. This lad of seven years was kept in touch with his mother, his brother Ebenezer, and his sister Mary ; but he was the lad who most cheered the hearts of the merchant and his companion, who was the daughter of a like noted merchant of the town of Boston.

Dressed in the best that the town afforded for boys of his age, John Hancock was tenderly guarded by his uncle and aunt. He was early found in the Latin School during the sessions, and was taken in the Hancock chariot to Lexington for the benefits of country air during the vacations. When restless at that parsonage he was driven to the Bedford parson- “ oe age, but a few miles MRS. JOHN HANCOCK, GRANDMOTHER away, where he was

(Elizabeth, oe ll and Mary the envied of ‘his

Clark of Chelmsford.) little cousins, who

made merry the

hours of his visit. This attractive boy was given the

best that the parsonage afforded, and was allowed to

dip his quill in his uncle’s “inzkstand dish” while displaying his youthful ability in penmanship.

The best candlestick was used in his honor, and all

attention given the boy, as a representative of Thomas!

1 Thomas Bowes, nephew and namesake of Thomas Hancock, cousin of John, died in youth at Bedford.

INTRODUCTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL 5

Hancock, whose wealth and influence were often helpfully displayed at this minister's home in a new and struggling settlement. One of the Bedford minister's children was Lucy, the namesake of her mother, — Lucy, daughter of Rev. John

Hancock of Lexington. This daughter of .Rev. Nicholas Bowes and Lucy Hancock was often found taking steps for her grandparents at Lexington, and with young John from Boston romped hand in hand over the hills of Lexington, peered with curious eyes into the old belfry, or ~ made mud pies at its rude INKSTANO DISH.

base. Yes, my reader, John Hancock was a boy, and had wants like other boys of his time.

No one can doubt that they were all supplied; perhaps if oftener denied he would have been the gainer.

(In possession of A. E. Brown.)

School text-books were scarce and dear, but John Hancock never “looked over ”’ with his companions. The Henchman house imported and dealt in all kinds of books and stationery, and John’s uncle Thomas had an account with his father-in-law. In the Henchman day-book is found, with charges to Thomas Hancock, “1 book to John, 5s. 4a; 1 Hammond’s algebra to John, gs. 7d.”

John Hancock, well fitted, entered Harvard College, and was graduated from that institution in 1754. His tall, graceful figure, elegant dress, courteous manner, and prospective fortune made him the envied of the best circles of the seaport, but this did not turn his well-poised head, and he entered his uncle’s business house in the position of clerk. Manifesting a deep interest in the business, he was intrusted with its affairs, and in 1760 was sent abroad to represent the house in London. He took the trip under the patronage of Mr. Thomas Pownall, who had been governor of the province, and, as a friend of Thomas Hancock, had been a frequent guest at his home, and manifested much interest in the young man of the household. John Hancock’s visit chanced to be at the time of the death of George II. and of the coronation of George III., pageants not uncongenial to the taste of the young man. It is recorded that the Boston merchant was later presented to the new king as a representative of one of his Majesty’s colonies in America, and that King George presented the young man with a gold snuff-box. I shall not vouch for the truth of this statement ; but custom madé such articles of daily use in the ordinary exchange of courtesy. If the king, in the exuberance of his exalted position, did lavish this token upon his young American subject, he had occasion to regret it in later years; and doubtless John Hancock failed to pass it about with pride among his business or social friends, for “rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.”

The following letter, “billet,” is in the possession of Mrs. William Wales of Dorchester, a grandniece of Mrs. Dorothy Hancock. It is without date, but must have preceded the death of the grandmother, which occurred in February, 1760, and is the earliest known to exist :

INTRODUCTORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL 7

DEAR AUNT: My Father I accompany this afternoon to Lexington in a chaise, if you have any Commands there, shall be happy in the execution of them. My Grandmama will be happy to receive a Word or two from you as will your Nephew in committing to Memory what shall proceed from an amiable & beloved aunt, and as the original will not be present the proxy must answer as a feeble representative.

Respectfully J. Hancocs.

Saturday, 12 o'clock A.M.

Superscribed ‘‘ Madam Hancock.”

8 JOHN ITANCOCK, HIS BOOK

Chapter II

THE FAMOUS AUTOGRAPH. HANCOCK WHARF. JOHN WEN- DELL A FELLOW-MERCHANT. THE BOWES FAMILY AT BEDFORD AND BOSTON.

On the fly-leaf of his letter-book is reatl the well-known autograph.

fake

It lacks some of the steadiness and regularity of curve of that on the Declaration of Independence. Yet this and others in the letter-book are more nearly like the average signature of the business man. The above is in the possessive case ; and the volume is in the main the record of the business transactions of John Hancock, although the early entries are those of Thomas Hancock. They introduce the reader to the business house when John Hancock was one of a large number of young men who did the clerical work of this famous house.

Hancock was a general importer, but his exports were necessarily confined to the products of the whale fisheries. The wholesale department of the business was conducted at the warehouses on Hancock’s wharf, which formerly opened into Fish, now North Street. Lewis

HANCOCK WHARF 9

Wharf represents it in part. Hancock was the owner of, or had a large interest in, several retail stores ; and the variety of goods on sale placed him at the head of the business interests of the Province.

We are at first introduced, under date of Oct. 14, 1762, to Matthew Woodford, Esq., apparently an agent with whom Thomas Hancock has treated in regard to supplies furnished a garrison stationed at Annapolis and Chignecto, Nova Scotia. John Wendell is associated with him. Wendell was another Boston merchant ‘of the time. He was a neighbor of Thomas Hancock, living on the corner of Court and Tremont Streets (says Drake).

On Oct. 17, 1762, we have a glimpse into the Hancock mansion on Beacon Hill, where the young man, John Hancock, just home from his sojourn abroad, is a most important member of his uncle’s family.

Dear Sir: At my Return from Church, I found on the Table the Revd Mr. Dodd's Excellent Sermon, preach'd at the Anniversary Meeting of the Governor's of the Magdalen Charity, in March last, which my Nephew had Just Receiv’d. I Read it with great Pleasure, which Reminded me of a former Resolution of throwing in my mite to that noble charity, which thro’ Hurry of Business I had omitted and lest I should forget it again, 1 take my Pen, and Desire you will please to pay out of the first money you may Receive from me, Seventy Guineas, my subscription to the Magdalen Charity & charge to my Account.

I am with much Respect, Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Humble Servt.

To Jon4- BARNARD, EsQe. one of the Govrs of Magdalen Charity.

This was but one of many of the acts of benevolence recorded to the honor of Thomas Hancock, whose noble

Io JOHN HANCOCK, HIS BOOK example was well followed in this particular by his nephew.

The next group of letters affords some intimation of the commercial relations of Boston merchants during the last French war, and of the difficulty in adjusting accounts.

Boston, Novemr sth, 1762.

GENT: I Recd your favour of July 318t, observe Mr. Atkins’s Bill on Trafford & Elms is Refused & Noted; however am of Opinion it will be paid, as Newfoundland is happily fallen again into our Hands. As I have no Power of Attorney from Kilby, Barnard & Parker, to whom Mr. Laughton was Indebted, so could have no Demand in Law, therefore have Deliver’d that accott to Mr. Parker, your Partner, my Power is from Kilby & Barnard only.

In Regard to Sewall & Lewis, I have good Security, but as I wrote, they can't pay yet, & it would not be prudent to sue, as it must break them up as things are at present.

The Tea is Arriv’d. I hope to hear from you soon and am Gents, Your most Obed’t Humble Servt-

P.S. Inclosed is a Certificate from the Custom House of landing the Tea, by Loring.

MEssks. JONA- BARNARD & Co.

Boston, Nevemr 30th, 1762.

GENT’ : I herewith Inclose Invoice for sundry Goods, which I Desire you to Ship on my Accott by the first good Opportunity, in the Spring & Insure them. You will take particular Care, that the Goods are well Chosen, Pack'd & Charg’d at the lowest Prizes. Inclosed you have also William Thomas's Bills on Mr. William Bivall Dartmouth £175, & Thomas Williams’s Bills on John Humfrey, Esqr. for £20. When paid Credit my account. I am with Great Esteem Genta, Your most Obed’t Humble Servt.

P.S. Hope soon to hear the Fate of my Bill Transmitted by the Mast Fleet.

Capt. Atkins’s Bill for £688 6s 6d sterl’g, notwithstanding, I wrote to send it back protested, if this Comes in Time protest it,

BOSTON MERCHANTS II take 10 p. ct. Damages & Interest till paid. 1 hear, & there will be no Doubt of its being paid, if not done already.

Jona. BARNARD & Co.

Boston, Decemr 24, 1762.

GENTN: Since the foregoing I Recd Via Halifax your favour of 31% Augst with the Papers, referring to Mr. Cummings which I shall see Executed, as soon as may be. I Desire you to protest his Bill & keep it, that I may Draw the Interest & 10 pr. ct. Damages. The Papers shall be forwarded you, as soon as Authenticated.

Capt. Robert Stockton, in the Ship Hopewell, is a Transport still in the Service, and if the Bill be not paid, protest it, & beg you will apply to the Navy Board, & stop the money, as I don’t ever Expect to see him again, and I know there is or was, when here a large sum due for him of s4 ship. I thank your honouring Sword & Bell's Bill with Hill & Lamars, for the Wine. Hope there will be no Peace till the Parliament Setts.

I am Gent, Your most Ooedt Humble Servt-

P.S. I sent you all the Pott ash I had made. If it will answer, I shall go into the manufacture.

Jon4- BARNARD & Co.

Boston, Decemr 24, 1762.

Str: Capt. John Campbell, whose Note of Hand for £100 Sterling, I find among the Late General Whitmore’s Papers, Copy of which I here Inclose you, is Gone from Newfoundland to England; he is of the 224 Regiment.

I give you this Notice, in Order that you may make a Demand of the Money in Case he may be met with there, and if you are paid by him, You will acquaint me thereof, that the original note may be deliver’d, to his order. I am afraid to send it now lest it should miscarry in War Time. I hope the £1000 I remitted by the Mast Fleet is Rec’d & Paid. The Articles of Furniture I Rec'd from Louisburg, are not yet sold, but shall take the first good opportunity to Dispose of them, they are old & little worth, and should there be a man of War or Peace soon, I will send your Papers & money for Ballance, if I cannot Procure Bills of Exchange, which are very scarce at present & not to be had.

I am Sir Your most Obedt Humble Servt-

Capt. EDWARD WHITMORE.

Boston 24 Decemr 1762.

GENT’: Since I put my Letters into this Ships Bag, I have Drawn the Inclosed Bill. Say, Wendell & Hancock on William Beth Esq. in Amsterdam value £110, sterg. When paid Credit my accott. therefore; please to forward the Inclos’d Letter to him.

I am with Respect, Gent# Your most Obedt Servt-

To MEssRS. JONA. BARNARD & Co.

HANCOCK MANSION, BOSTON.

Boston, Decemr 24 1762.

SiR: We have wrote you severall Letters in the Course of the Summer, some of which we are certain arriv’d safe. We then Inclos’d you all the necessary Papers &c., relative to the ship William Galley, and are not a little surpris’d that we have not heard from you, owning the Receipt of Wendell's affidavit etc., but hope we shall soon. We have Taken all proper measures for your Interest, in consequence of which several necessary charges have arisen, in part of which we have this Day drawn a Sett of Bills on you, in favour of Messrs. Jona Barnard & Co., Merchants in London for

THE BOWES FAMILY 13

410, Sterling, which you will please to honour. Accontt of which shall be Transmitted you hereafter.

We are Sir, Your most Humble Servis, JOHN WENDELL.

THOMAS HANCOCK.

To WILLIAM BETH Esq. in Amsterdam.

Boston, Decemr 28th 1762

GENT": I have not yet Rec'd the Goods I wrote you for, hope they will soon arrive. This is chiefly to cover you the Inclos'd Letter from Mr., Willm™ Bowes,! who is a Nephew of miue & who has some time Dealt in hardware & inclined to correspond with your house. He now writes you for some Goods. You are safe in Dealing with him, & I am to Desire you will supply him & for what he now writes I will see you paid.