1. MASSACHUSETTS DEBATES THE BILL OF RIGHTS Superb content manuscript D.S., 3pp. legal folio, "In Senate" and "In the House of Representatives", [Boston], June 1, 1791, being the response of Massachusetts' elected representatives to Gov. JOHN HANCOCK's speech following their first session after Hancock's re-election as Governor. In reading their response, it is clear that Hancock addressed many subjects, most notably the proposed amendments to the Constitution (the Bill of Rights), the maintenance of a militia, the need for education, and taxation. The letter, signed by Senate President SAMUEL PHILLIPS and Speaker of the House DAVID COBB, opens mentioning the House and Senate's pleasure with Hancock's having been re-elected as Governor, adding: "...We doubt not they [the people] will continue to enjoy the blessing of peace, liberty and safety...". The response then touches on points Hancock had made in his speech. In part: "...It is the duty of the Legislature to enact wise laws, and to make ample provision for the regular, speedy and equal distribution of Justice. The tryal by Jury, is one of those inestimable priviledges we enjoy as freemen; it is incumbent on us therefore to use every precaution to retain it in its fullest latitude. Such further regulations as are necessary to this great purpose we shall readily adopt, by a revision of the laws...Every friend to America must reprobate the idea of introducing a standing army in our Republic. The establishment of a well disciplined militia, must be an object the most salutary and desirable. On the permanency of this measure, the happiness & security of the people, & the force and energy of the Government greatly depend. The subjects recommended by your Excellency we consider as interesting, and none more loudly calls for our attention, than the education of the rising Generation...the patriots of our Country have ever been assiduous to promote & cherish them [institutions of learning]...Without due attention to this interesting subject, the light of our Country, as your Excellency observes, will begin to fade and its glory be seen in its decline...We are sensible that the present circumstances of the State render it highly expedient to adopt such measures...to place our finances upon the most respectable basis...without having recourse to any schemes for raising money, which will injure the morals of the people or divert their attention from laudable industries & pursuits...". On the verso of the last page, Hancock dockets the letter: "Letter by Phillips & Cobb 1791". A few marginal chips affecting a few letters of text, two clean fold splits carefully repaired, else very good. Clearly, Hancock's speech and this response addressed what would become the Second and Sixth Amendments, the right to keep and bear arms: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed", and trial by jury and other rights of the accused. The Bill of Rights was not passed unanimously - and Massachusetts was not one of the states that initially approved it. As a matter of fact, it would not formally approve the first ten amendments until 1939! $4,000-6,000