Letter of marque, 18th century. U.S. Continental Congress,

C0063_Bx9_F7_Hancock_rectoOwners of American privateer ships would receive a printed license from the Continental Congress that authorized its bearer to attack and seize British vessels in the service of the United States. This one is signed by the president of the Second Continental Congress, John Hancock (1737–1793). Gift of André de Coppet, Class of 1915. André de Coppet Collection, Manuscripts Division.

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