Hanson, John (1715-1783) [Congressional certificate authorizing vessels to engage in military activity]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04870 Author/Creator: Hanson, John (1715-1783) Place Written: s.l. Type: Printed document signed Date: circa 1781-1782 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24 x 42.1 cm. Order a Copy
Signed below seal by John Hanson. Countersigned by Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. Contains blank spaces designated for the name of commander and vessel, the vessel's weight and type, and the number of men on board. Created to authorize vessels (possibly privateers) to "set forth ... in a warlike manner ... to attack, subdue, seize, and take all ships and other vessels, goods, wares and merchandizes, belonging to the King or Crown of Great Britain ..." Features paper seal.
Hanson served as President of Continental Congress November 1781- November 1782. Thompson served as Secretary of Congress 1774-1789.
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