John Hancock

Partly-printed DS, one page, 15.5 x 12.5, November 10, 1789. As governor of Massachusetts, John Hancock appoints Ebenezer Baxter as "Ensign of a Company in the first Regiment of the first Division of the militia of this Commonwealth comprehending the County of Suffolk." Boldly signed at the upper left in ink by Governor John Hancock, and countersigned at the conclusion by John Avery as secretary. Endorsed on the reverse by Lt. Col. Peter Greene, certifying that "Ebenezer Baxter hath taken the oaths required by the Constitution of this Commonwealth." In very good to fine condition, with an area of offset toning, complete separation to the central vertical fold repaired with archival tape on the reverse, and complete silking to both sides.