Mar 13, 2008 - Sale 2139

Sale 2139 - Lot 44

Price Realized: $ 78,000
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 12,000 - $ 18,000
HANCOCK TO WASHINGTON UPON THE GENERAL'S RETIREMENT HANCOCK, JOHN. Autograph Letter Signed, with initials, a retained draft of a letter to George Washington, praising him for his virtues and past service on the occasion of his retiring to his Mount Vernon plantation: "May you long live, my dear General, and long have the joy to see the increasing splendor and prosperity of a rising nation aided by your councils and defended by your sword." 2 pages, tall 4to, with integral blank; folds, minor foxing, minor soiling on terminal page, docketed on the terminal page. Boston, 15 October 1783
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"My feelings as a private friend, and the very great personal regard for your Excellency with which I have been penetrated ever since I had the honor of an acquaintance with you, would by no means allow one to see you retiring from your important employments without paying you my particular attentions. But when, as a public man, warmly attached to the interest of my country, I consider the nature of those services which you have rendered to that country; when I recollect the cares you have sustained, the fatigues you have endured, and the dangers you have confronted for the public safety; when I call to mind the many instances in which your abilities, your prudence, your fortitude, and patience have been superiour to the severest trials; and when I now see the great object of all so completely obtained in the establishment of the independence & peace of the United States; my heart is too full to forbear to congratulate your Excellency in the most respectful and affectionate manner, upon an issue so happy to them and so glorious to yourself.
To all your services as Commander in Chief of an army that has in a manner astonishing to the whole world efficaciously supported the freedom of America, you have constantly added, and particularly in your late circular letter to the states, the result of your uncommon wisdom and experience as a statesman to assist us in improving to the happiest purposes the advantages gained by our arms.
After such services, which consecrate your name to all posterity, with what homefelt satisfaction must your future days be blest? Heaven crown them with every favour! May you long live, my dear General, and long have the joy to see the increasing splendor and prosperity of a rising nation aided by your councils and defended by your sword.
Indulge me the pleasure to believe that I have a place in your recollection, and still honour and make me happy in your friendship."
The recipient's copy of this letter can be found in the George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress.