2. JOHN HANCOCK (1737-1793) American Revolutionary politician and first signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress and two-time Governor of Massachusetts. Outstanding content and association D.S. "John Hancock" boldly signed as Governor of Massachusetts, 1p. 4to., June 25, 1789, an order to pay Revolutionary War General Benjamin Lincoln as commissioner in negotiating with the Penobscot Indians. In part: "You are, by and with the Advice and Consent of Council, ordered and directed to pay unto Hon. Benjamin Lincoln esq. the Sum of Twenty two pounds fourteen shillings eleven pence in full of the balance of this amount for his services as a commissioner to treat with the Penobscot indians & - also as one of the commissioners to grant pardons-agreeable to a certificate from the Committee for settling public accounts". Lincoln was instrumental in negotiating a treaty with the Penobscot Indians in 1786, and due to the financial straits suffered by most state treasuries it was not uncommon that payment in full was not completed until years after service was rendered. Although they had been able to retain their lands during the Revolutionary War, the treaty negotiated by Lincoln confined the Penobscots to a small area by the Penobscot River and a few other wilderness areas. Lincoln was a direct beneficiary of this treaty; at about this time, Lincoln settled his son and namesake in this newly vacated area. It is possible that the pardons Lincoln is being paid for granting are related to Shay's Rebellion. Lincoln served as the first major general of the Massachusetts militia sent to quell the unrest. The year 1789 also brought a culmination to his feud with Hancock: Lincoln had been elected Lieutenant Governor in 1788, a post he would lose in 1789 after a series of dirt-slinging matches between their supporters. Very good with a short professionally repaired split at center fold. Set into a frame to an overall size of 13 1/2" x 21 1/2", and includes a certificate of authenticity from Charles Hamilton. Very good. $4,000-5,000