John Hancock Docketed American Revolution Prisoner Exchange Letter

1781. No Binding. Very Fine. Prisoner exchange letter from John Hancock's personal retained files. [JOHN HANCOCK]. Original Secretarial copy manuscript letter to the Navy Board, Council Chamber, Boston, August 28, 1781, with Hancock's own autograph docketing OF "To The Navy Board / Aug 1781-". 6.25" x 8". Includes Letter Of Authenticity from James Spence Authenticators. An important letter mentioning the "Atalanta" which was one of the larger class of ship-rigged sloops introduced in the 1760s. She carried 16 guns as well as a number of swivel guns on the quarterdeck and was captured by the American 36-gun ship "Alliance" in 1781. Very Fine.

Transcription:

"Gentlemen, The Great Kindness and Humanity manifested by Admiral Edwards to the  Inhabitants of this & others of the United States who have been captured by the Enemy has induced the Council to advice to the Exchange of Capt. Sampson Edwards Pet Commander of the Atalanta Sloop of War in pursuance of said Advice which you have herewith included would recommend said Capt. Edwards for this purpose not doubting that the same principles of Humanity which even actuated the Honorable Navy Board, will cause the Exchange to be made for an Officer of equal Rank and to permit the said Capt. Edwards to return to Newfoundland by the Cartel destined for that Place -- I am Gentlemen with great Esteem Your very humble servant" Reverse Docket reads, "To the Navy Board August 1781."  A similar address is on the front and is in Hancock's hand too.
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