JOHN HANCOCK Fine content war-date A.L.S. "J. H.", likely a draft or retained copy, 1p. 4to., "Council Chamber, Boston", Feb. 10, 1783, to "Gentlemen of the Senate, & Gentlemen of the House of Representatives". Hancock advises the State's governing body: "...Resolves of the General Court, authorizing the Gentlemen Selectmen of the Town of Boston, to prepare accommodations suitable to the Rank of the Officers of the French Army upon their arrival in Boston, have with great attention & punctuality been attended to...[I have] the satisfaction to inform you that the General of the Army the Count [Antoine Charles du Houx] of Viomenil assured me, that he with the other officers were perfectly satisfied, & had a grateful sense of the ready & polite attention that was paid them. In Consequence of this Transaction, gentlemen, considerable Expences have arisen...[I have] drawn a warrant on the Treasurer for five hundred pounds...". Hancock closes his letter asking that the Senate and House immediately pass a measure to pay the balance of long-overdue debts for their ally's visit. Parts of about six words at left lost, not significantly affecting legibility, and professionally filled-in by a conservator; a few very small areas elsewhere likewise repaired, otherwise boldly penned and very good. Antoine Charles du Houx, Count de Viomenil (1728-1793) served with great distinction during the American Revolution. In 1780 he was appointed second in command of the army that was sent under Rochambeau to assist the American colonists in their struggle for independence. He was promoted lieutenant-general in June, 1781, and for his gallant conduct at the siege of Yorktown in October, 1781, where he led his troops in the storming of the redoubt, he was given the Grand Cross of St. Louis.