Lot
2009 
John Hancock, 1737-1793, Signer of Declaration of Independence, Delegate From Massachusetts, manuscript free frank "J Hancock" as the second President of Second Continental Congress (May 24, 1775 to October 29, 1777) at lower left on folded lettersheet to "The Hon. Council of Safety of the State of Pennsylvania" addressed in his hand, recipient docketing on flap "From the Presd. of Congress, Baltimore, February 11, 1777"; some light toning along file folds, still Very Fine. Estimate $3,000 - 4,000.
A RARE JOHN HANCOCK FREE FRANK SIGNATURE AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS.
On May 24, 1775, John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Second Continental Congress, succeeding Peyton Randolph. Hancock served in Congress through some of the darkest days of the Revolutionary War. The British drove Washington from New York and New Jersey in 1776, which prompted Congress to flee to Baltimore. Hancock franked this letter during this time in Baltimore with the Congress later returning to Philadelphia in March of 1777.
Realized: $9,000