New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1857-05-11
John Hancock.

John Hancock was born at Quincy, near Boston.
and was the son and grandson OF eminent clergymen
but, having lost his father was indebted for his
liberal education to his uncle, merchant of great
wealth and responsibility, who sent him to Harvard
University where he was graduated in 1854 He was
then placed in the countinghouse of his benefactor
and not long afterwards visited England, where he
present at the coronation of George Ill., as little
president the monarch himself of the part he was
destined to act in relation to the English Government
On the sudden demise Of his uncle in 1854, he sue
ceeded to his large fortune and extensive business
both Of which he managed with great judgment and
munifcence
AS member of the Provincial Legislature, he ex-
erted himself with zeal and resolution against the
royal governor and British Ministry, and became so
obnoxious to them in consequence, that in the pro-
Lexington, and few days before that Of Bunker HILL
offering pardon to the rebels, he and Samuel Adams
were specially excepted, their offences being of too
agtious nature to admit of any other consideration
gives additional celebrity to these two PATRIOTS be-
tween whom, however, an unfortunate dissension
took place, which produced temporary schism in
the party which they headed and also long per-
s0nal estrangement between themselves. In fact,
they differed widely in their modes of living, and
their general dispositions, that their concurrence in
political measures may be considered proof OF their
patriotism Hancock was magnificent liver lavishly
bountiful and splendidly hosptable Samuel Adams
had neither the the inclination for pursu
ing similar course. He was studiously simple and
frugal, and was Of an austere and an unbending, in
flexible character.
Hancock was president of the Provincial Congress
of Massachusetts,, until he was sent delegate from
the province to the General Congress at Philadelphia
in l776 Soon after his arrival there, he chosen
to succeed Peyton Randolph Pas resident Of that
semby, and first to atx his signature to the De-
caraton of Independence. He continued to fill the
chair until 1779, when he compelled by disease to
retire from Congress. He then elected Governor
of Massachusetts,, and annually chosen from 1850
to 1885, After interval of two years, during which
Mr.. Bowdoin occupied the post he reelected and
continued in the Office until his death, October Sth,
l793 at the age of 66 years. In the interval he act
ed as President of the Convention of the State for
the adoption of the Federal Constitution for which
he finally voted. The talents of Hancock were rath-
er useful than brilliant. He seldom spoke, but his
knowledge of business and facility in despatching it,
together with his keen insight into the characters of
men, rendered him peculiarly fit for public life. As
the president of deliberatve assembly he excelled.
His voice was sonorous his apprehension OF questions
quick he was well acquainted with parliamentary
FORMS and inspired respect and confidence by his at.
tention, impartiality and dignity.
In private life he was eminent for his hospitality
and benefcence. He was a complete gentleman Of
the old school, both in his appearance and manners
dressed richly according to the fashion Of the day
keeping handsome eguipage, and being distinguish
ed for politeness and afablity in social intercourse
When Washington consulted the Legislature OF
Massachusetts upon the propriety of bombardng Bos
ton, Hancock advised its being done Immediately il
it would benefit the cause, although nearly his whole
property consisted in houses and other real estate in
th6t town .