signer of the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress and two-time Governor of Massachusetts. Outstanding and rather ironic A.L.S. "John Hancock", 1p. 4to., Boston, Oct. 22, 1772 sending tea to a friend just one year before the Boston Tea Party! Hancock writes to a Rev. Williams, opening with pleasantries, mentions his pleasure that the man and his family remain healthy and expresses his hope that they shall meet in Boston. He continues: "...My Aunt Desires her particular Respects to you with every wish in your favour; upon her mentioning your fondness for Green Tea, I have Sent by the Bearer Mr. Nathan Hyde a pound of the best Green Tea in a Canister, of which.I request your Acceptance. My best wishes attend you for every Indulgence of a kind providence..." In 1773 Parliament passed the Tea Act which raised the ire of the colonists in America. Just a bit more than a year after Hancock wrote this letter, that anger boiled over, culminating in the December 16th Boston Tea Party where 342 chests of tea were pitched into Boston Harbor by colonists dressed as Mohawks. As a merchant and trader, Hancock himself surely felt the sting of the tea boycott. Expertly mounted with a professionally-mended 1 1/2" x 1" chip in left margin, away from text, boldly penned and signed, in beautiful condition.