Hancock, John (1737-1793) to Dorothy Hancock
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01732 Author/Creator: Hancock, John (1737-1793) Place Written: Susquehannah, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 March 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : address : free frank ; 32.8 x 20.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Hancock, a Declaration of Independence signer, as President of the Continental Congress to his wife. Apparently written on the road to Congress. Says he is stuck where he is until the ice is cut and he can cross with the ferry. Says "My Boy" Joe has treated him ill when he got drunk on his wine, broke several bottles, and dropped his trunk out of the wagon, which was later found. He was brought to the inn drunk and put to bed. Hancock says he will "turn him adrift" once he gets to Philadelphia. Is glad he did not leave him with her, because he "would have been a plague." Asks to be remembered to many of their friends and writes that he misses her. Tells her to get more wine when she finishes it. Free frank is his signature below the address.
One of a series of three letters written on the way to Philadelphia. The other two are published in "Letters of Delegates to Congress," 6:396-98.
Susquehannah at Mr. Rodger's
Tuesday afternoon 4 March 1777
My Dear
After I wrote you from god's grace's yesterday I proceeded on thro' bad Roads to Mr. Stetes's at Bush where I arriv'd at sunset, sup'd well, & lay well (that is as well as I could alone) & after breakfast this morng. set out for this place thro' intolerable bad Roads, & got here at 11 oclock, but to my great mortification cannot pass the Ferry, they are now Cutting the ice, & hope to get over in the morng. My Boy Joe has treated me very ill, he drank a deal of my wine in the wagon; broke & lost several Bottles, dropt out my trunk which was luckily found, & was brought to the Tavern drunk & put to Bed, I shall turn him adrift at Philada. I am glad I did not leave him with you, he would have been a plague to you. How is Ned's hand. I long to see you, but do let me hear from you as often as possible. To morrow morng I intend to set out on horseback. We are all well - Remember to Mr. & Mrs. Willigan. Tell her Cap. Foger is well. My respects to the Mr. & Mrs. Purviannes & Miss Sukey & all Friends. God bless you, Take care of your self, There is wine in the closet, when that is gone get more, live reputably, keep up the Port of a Family. Rememr me to Miss Katy, Lydia & all in the Family - Adieu. I hope soon to have you at Philaa. Shall Write you fully on my arrival there - pray write me often.
I am in hurry, can only add that I am with the utmost affection,
Yours most truly,
John Hancock
Mrs. Hancock
[address leaf]
To
Mrs. Hancock
Baltimore
John Hancock
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