Hancock, John (1737-1793) to Joseph Clarke
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00987 Author/Creator: Hancock, John (1737-1793) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 March 1779 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Hancock writes to Treasurer Clarke that he must deny his request for a loan, as the state is too burdened with debt. " ... the Situation of our publick Funds, & the large Calls for Money by Loans for the Service of the State, makes it impossible to obtain Loans for any other purposes."
Hancock was a very wealthy man and major local creditor. As an individual, he advanced sterling in return for "worthless" paper money to finance the Revolution. As a result, he was owed large sums of money by private individuals, the state, and Congress. Since he was heavily invested in the depreciated paper money, he was left without money to loan until he could collect large sums owed to him.
Boston March 9.th 1779
Sir,
Your favr. of 6.th Ins.t reach'd me on Sunday Eveng. and I should have been happy to have been able to obtain the Loan you requested, but the Situation of our publick Funds. & the large bills for money by Loans for the Service of the State, makes it impossible to obtain Loans for anyother purposes. The very large Sums such in the two Emissions of May & April has increas'd the difficulty of borrowing, and makes it impractible to comply with your request-
Whenever I may be Serviceable
to you, please freely to Command.
Sir
Your very hum Servt.
John Hancock
I return you the
note you Inclos'd me
Joseph Clarke Esq. Treasurer
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