July 4, 1776 John Hancock cover
Collection: National Postal Museum
Object type: Covers & Associated Letters
Date: July 4, 1776
Associated Person: John Hancock, American, 1737 - 1793
Place: United States of America
Medium: paper; ink
Dimensions: Height x Width (of object): 7 5/16 x 5 13/16 in. (18.5 x 14.7 cm)
Credit line: Gift from George Kramer
Topics: Covers & Letters
Colonial Era (1607-1776)
Early Nation's Period (1776-1800)
Description: Letter written July 2 by William Bant and addressed to John Hancock who was a delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia
Text of the letter:
Fairfield July 2, 1776
Dear sir,
I wrote to you from Horseneck, where I was detained a day and a half, and at last was obliged to buy another horse. I informed you that I had the horse Harry bought for me taken from me at Rye, and indorsed to you the proceedings of the justice, you will doubtless observe sir that the authority is in the name of His Majesty. I was in the Town of Rye, and had I refused to take the justice under that sanction I might go without it, but the horse I should not have. I have now enclosed my deposition that the horse taken from me is the same that Harry purchased for me in Philadelphia. I beg you to excuse the trouble I give you sir in desiring you to give the deposition to M Wintton or to W Banell, which of them is kind enough to look into this matter for me. I shall make all possible despatch for Boston and shall immediately attend to your commands.
William Bant, Esq.
['FREE\nL\nThe Hon.ble John Hancock Esq.\nIn\nPhiladelphia\nPost\n4 New York July\nWm Bant Esq'
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 'FREE\nTo The Hon. ble John Hancock Esq.\nIn Philadelphia\nPost\n- York July 4\nWm Bank Esq'
 "Fairfield July 2 d 1776\nDear Sir,\nI wrote you from Housneck, where I was detained a day & a half, and at last was obliged to buy another Horse . I informed you that I had the Horse, Harry bought for me, taken from me at Rye, and inclosed to you the proceedings of the Justice, you will doubtless observe Sir, that the authority is in the name of His Majesty . I was in the Town of Rye, and had I refused to take the Judgment under that Sanction I might go without it, but the Horse I should not have. I have now inclosed my deposition that the Horse taken from me, is the same that Harry purchased for me in Philadelphia. I beg you to excuse the trouble I give you Sir, in desiring you to give the Deposition to Mr Winthrop or to Mr Banell, which of them is kind enough to look into this matter for me. I shall make all possible despatch for Boston and shall immediately attend to your Commands. Accept dear Sir of my sincere wishes for your happiness, in doing which I know I include that of your good Lady's also. Be so kind Sir, as to give my compliments to Mr Whitney & to Miss Quincy both of whom I hope are nearly over their Small-pox frolic. I am with the sincerest and most respectful regards,\nYour ever obliged and most Obedient humble Servant William Banell\nThe Hon. John Hancock Esq."
 'Fairfield July 2 d 1776\nDear Sir,\nI wrote you from Horse Neck, where I was detained a day & a half, and at last was obliged to buy another Horse. I informed you that I had the Horse, Harry bought for me, taken from me at Rye and inclosed to you the proceedings of the Justice, you will doubtless observe, Sir, that the authority is in the Name of His majesty. I was in the Town of Rye, and had I refused to take the Judgment under that Sanction I might go without it, but the Horse I should not have. I have now inclosed my deposition that the Horse taken from me, is the same that Harry purchased for me in Philadelphia. I beg you to excuse the trouble I give you, Sir, in desiring you to give the Deposition to Mr Winton or to Mr Banell, which of them is kind enough to look into this matter for me. I shall make all possible dispatch for Boston and shall immediately attend to your Command. Accept dear Sir my sincerest wishes for your happiness, in doing which I know I include that of your good Ladies also. Be so kind Sir, as to give my Compliments to Mr Whitney & Miss Quincy both of whom I hope are nearly over their small pox frolic. I am with the sincerest and most respectful regards\nYour ever obliged and most Obedient humble Servant William Brant\nThe Hon. John Hancock Esq.\nFREE To The Hon. John Hancock Esq. In Philadelphia\nWm Brant Esq.\nYork July 4\nMs. A. 9. 2. 202. 1'
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