Hancock, John, 1737-1793. John Hancock Collection, 1754-1792. [Letter from John Hancock, Concord, Massachusetts, to Samuel Langdon 1775 April 11]. UAI 50.27.73 Box 1, Folder 43, Harvard University Archives.

Mr. Hancock presents his {compliments} to The {Reverend} President & the other Gentlemen who were present yesterday at the Meeting, & Acquaints them that he has at heart the Interest of the College as much as any one & will pursue it, he is much Surprized & Astonished at the Contents of the President's Letter as the Doings of the Gentlemen present, which he very seriously Resents, & however great the Gentlemen may think the Burden upon his Mind may be, Mr Hancock is not Disposed to look upon it in that light, nor shall the College suffer any Detriment in his absence, as he has already Determin'd those those matters but if the Gentlemen Chuse to make a publick Choice of a Gentleman to the Displacing him, they will please to Act their pleasure. Mr Hancock writes in great hurry, being much Engag'd, but shall write very particularly, or be at Cambridge in person as Soon as the Congress Rises, he Leaves all his Matters in the hands of a {Gentleman} of approv'd Integrity during his Absence, which he is not dispos'd to Alter, & per adventure his absence may not be longer than a Voyage to Mechias --

Concord 3 oClock PM 11th April 1775 --

Mr Hancoks April 11. 1775 {Number} 4.