Hancock, John (1737-1793) [Assignment of privateer's bond by John Hancock to Joseph Hewes and Robert Smith]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.014.01 Author/Creator: Hancock, John (1737-1793) Place Written: s.l. Type: Document signed Date: 13 September 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 34.5 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Countersigned by Jacob Rush and Benjamin Towne. Revokes the earlier privateer commission given to Barzilla Smith by Hancock as President of the Congress of the United States because Smith did not conduct himself and his crew according to the terms of the bond. The commission stated that Smith would have to make reparations of $5,000 for any damage caused by the misconduct of himself or his crew (see GLC01450.014.02). Smith, as commander of the privateer schooner, the Eagle, apprehended a brig called the Joseph, owned by Joseph Hewes and Robert Smith of North Carolina who state Barzilla Smith broke the terms of his bond with Hancock. As a result, Hancock signs over to Hewes and Robert Smith the $5,000 penalty. Hancock authorizes Hewes and Robert Smith to sue regarding the bond.
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