The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-07-19
John Hancock.

The circumstance attending the election
OF John Hancock to the presidency Of the
Continental Congress, in l775, are thus
related by Mrs. Warren, in her history Of
the American Revolution;
THE absence OF the late worthy presi-
dent OF Congress. Mr Randolph, aud the
arrival Of Mr.. Hancock, at PhiIadeIphia,
at the fortunate moment, when the en-
thusiasm inspired bs Cages proclamation
was at its height, both concurred to pro-
mote his elevation. .skIe was chosen to
preside in the respectable assembly OF
delegates, avoWedly on the sole principle
II his having been prescribed by General
Gage. IL was uncouhly said by MEM
Der Of congress, that they would show
Mother Britain, how little they cared for
her, hy choosing Massachusetts man for
their president, who had been recently
excluded from pardon 10y public procIa
nation The choice was suddenly made
and with rather too much levity for the
times, or for the dignity Of the Office.
Mr.. Hancock's modesty prompted him
for moment to hesitate on the unexpect.
ed event as il difiideut of his own qualiti.
cations; when one Of the members, "f
more rubust constitution, and less delica-
cy Of manners, took him in his arms and
placed him ia the presidential ckair."
From this interesting incident the read
er is forced to draw an inference, which
beyond doubt. is erroneous in itself
and unjust in relation to the persons alu-
ded to. 1t is absurd to irnpute any thing
like fear to Hancock; for were he really
dhcient in decision and frmness mis- &C.
cePtance Of the presidency Of congress
would scarcely have increased the odium
under which he already labored; he had
previously passed the Rubicon, and had
been long marked out as one Of the first
objects OF royal vengeance. We must
seek for some other canse for the back
wardness displayed by this distinguished
patriot, on this occasion, and none offer
themselves TO our mind, natural than mod
esty and unobstrusiveness, which are ever
the attendants Of real merit. And emo
nent and prominent as he was, he could
still say, with great truth, in reference to
his colleagues. .. ....
"Never before stood in such presence"
But there are other reasons; Mr.. Han
ceck was not the only member nominated
for this Office; among Others, Benjamin
Harrison was spoken Of This gentleman
one Of the most distinguished and jealous
men Of Virginia, occupied conspicuous
station, in our political ranks, from the mo-
ment Of his arrival in Philadelphia as
delegate. Inheriting princely estate,
which enabled him to indulge, to the
most liberal extent, the natural hospitali-
ty Of his character, formed noble estab-
lishment in the city, and kept what is cali
ed in the south, ian open house." En-
thusiastic in the cause Of independence,
decided in the means 70 be employed, and
uuwearied in the pursuit OF bis object, his
friends viewed bim,a it Is said, "a prop
or person to preside, at this critical juno
tire, over the continental congress. He
was also nearly connected with the late
venerable president, Peyton Randolph
He repelled all advances on this subject,
and joined those, who perceived peculi-
ar fitness in selecting northern gentle
man, who in addition 10 his unbounded
devotion 10 the cause Of freedom, appear
ed on the Hoor Of Congress, ~ the partic-
ulaS object Of ministerial jealousy and pro-
scription. Mr.. Harrison took decided
part In his election; when the appoint.
ment was announced, and M. Hancock
evinced some degree Of embarrassment.
he stepped forward and bore him 70 the
chair, nos ridely or indelicately, bot with
that kind Of gcod-humered and easy q.
miliiarisy, which chsractsrizes the gentry
oftbe South. Bsnjsmin Hssrisoa was Z