Two documents, handwritten in ink, both noted as copies in the docketing, but one with original signature of John Hancock. The first, March 8, 1791, 3 pp. on 4-page lettersheet, with secretarial signature of John Hancock, also John Avery, David Cobb and Samuel Phillips. The second, March 11, 2½ pp. on 4-page lettersheet, bears the actual signature of John Hancock, as well as John Avery, David Cobb and Samuel Phillips, the latter two secretarial. Each 12½x8.

Significant pair of documents relating to the sale to Samuel Ogden and his heirs the right of pre-emption to certain lands that the State of New York has ceded to Massachusetts. As laid out in the earlier document, the price for the land in question is $100,000, payable over time, and conditional upon the "fair and just extinguishment of the Indian claims, which may remain to the said lands..." To confirm the fairness of any agreement with the Indians, "some suitable person shall be appointed to superintend, at the expense of the said Samuel Ogden, his heirs or assigns, at any Indian treaty which shall, or may be held for the purpose of such extinguishment..." The second document expands upon this latter point, reiterating that "no purchase from the native Indians, by any Grantee or Grantees of the said right of pre emption, shall be valid, unless... approved by, superintendent to be appointed for such purpose by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts..." The power to appoint such a superintendent is vested in the Governor of Massachusetts, on advice of Council. An important pair of documents regarding the "extinguishment" of Indian titles to land in New England, as America pushed into the wilderness following the Revolutionary war, the latter document boldly signed by John Hancock.