Hancock, John, 1737-1793. John Hancock Collection, 1754-1792. [Letter from Samuel Langdon, Cambridge, Massachusetts, to John Hancock, 1775 April 3]. UAI 50.27.73 Box 1, Folder 41, Harvard University Archives.

{Number} 2. Cambridge, April 3rd 1775.

{Sir}, We are very unhappy in being again & again disappointed of an opportunity of settling our Treasurer's accompts. We know your Patriotic exertions in your Country's Cause, & are willing to allow much to this plea for the delay of our affairs hitherto. You are sensible, Sir, it is our duty to be solicitous for the Interest of the Society under our care, & that we are accountable to the board of overseers, & not only to them, but to the World. Therefor permit us to remind you that the Semiannual Meeting of the Overseers will be on the first Tuesday of May next, when the question will undoubtedly be asked - How do the College accompts stand, which according to custom ought to have been laid before us at the Semiannual meeting in {October} last? - What shall we answer to such a question? We must entreat you to find an interval for settling our accompts with you before that meeting, especially considering you will about that very time be obliged to attend the Continental Congress.

Another important consideration occurs. While you are attending at

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at the Continental Congress it will be impossible for you to take care of the College business. If your accompts are settled, the papers, etc, may be for a time delivered into the hands of the Corporation, that they may take proper care of them in your absence : Whereas otherwise all will be left in confusion. We are persuaded, {Sir} you will kindly accept what we have now written, & give us an answer directed to the President as soon as possible.

We are your very {humble} {Servants} {Samuel} Langdon President in the name & at the desire of the other members of the Corporation.

To John Hancock, {Esquire}

P.S. The news we have just received gives me great concern to have our college papers, etc, removed from Boston immediately - May not this be done without delay, even though you cannot now attend on the settlement of accompts? If you think proper to send an Order for the delivery of them, to one of your clerks, I will give him a receipt to his satisfaction, & take proper care of everything until you can see the Corporation - I find it is the general apprehension, that

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that it will be most prudent for the inhabitants of Boston to remove their valuable objects effects out of the town as soon as possible they can. Certainly therfor, the College estate ought to be taken care of among the best.

I am {Sir} your most respectful {humble} {Servant} {Samuel} Langdon

April 6th To John Hancock, {Esquire}