Volume CLXXVI • No. 1

The Federal Ledger

Est. 1776 • Digital Archive of the Republic

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Portrait of John Hancock
Massachusetts
John Hancock
The Bold Signer

John Hancock

1737–1793 • Massachusetts
President of Congress

Most Important Quote

“There, I guess King George will be able to read that.”
— John Hancock

Biography

Wealthy merchant whose enormous signature graced the Declaration first and largest. President of the Second Continental Congress.

Stances

Patriot moderate. Backed independence and the Constitution after a Bill of Rights was promised.

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