HANCOCK, JOHN, Signer, (Massachusetts). Partly printed document signed ("John Hancock" with typical flourish) as Governor of Massachusetts, countersigned by John Avery and Naval officer Joseph Batchelder, [Boston?], 16 June 1788. 1 page, folio, 375 x 340mm. (15 1/4 x 13 in.), two intact large papered seals, double matted and glazed in a wooden frame, with an engraved portrait of Hancock, holding a book, accomplished in manuscript. Very fine. Ship's papers granted to "Elias Smith of Beverly, in the County of Essex," owner of "the Schooner Chance...being a square stern'd Vessel of the Burthen of Forty five Tons...built at Almsbury..." in 1788.