The signature of patriotism
The News & Messenger is joining with the Smyth VA250 Committee to celebrate this country’s 250th anniversary by sharing the winning essays for this year’s Royal Oak Daughters of the American Revolution American history essay competition. Entrants were asked to write about having “Lunch with a Signer” of the Declaration of Independence. We’ll share an essay each week leading up to the Fourth of July.
Did you know that King George III disliked John Hancock so much that he put a bounty on his head for 500 pounds and put him at the top of his most dangerous Americans list? This is just one of the fascinating discoveries I am pondering as I sit here at Fraunces Tavern in New York City waiting on Mr. Hancock’s arrival. I plan on ordering the Chef’s Daily Special and I’m unsure what dishes Mr. Hancock will decide on, since he is accustomed to a variety of rich and delicious foods. John Hancock arrived 5 minutes early and was dressed in a very flashy purple and gold outfit.
“Mr. Hancock, why did you find it important to be liked by everyone?” I first asked. Mr. Hancock took no time in answering my question. He stated that he liked being the center of attention, being popular, and he wanted as many people as possible to elect him into office. Mr. Hancock spoke with such certainty that I was genuinely impressed and wished I too could speak with such confidence!
Next I asked Mr. Hancock, “Why did you find it so important for the Declaration of Independence to be passed into law?”
Mr. John Hancock had a lot to say about this issue. He stressed the importance of Americans establishing their own government and laws. He also seemed to hate the king and the tax policies he tried to make American pay. In short, Britain was bullying America and Mr. Hancock along with many other important individuals decided to fight back.
“I have always been curious Mr. Hancock, why is your signature so large on the Declaration of Independence?”
Mr. Hancock laughed loudly at my question. The first signature of such an important document should be large and elegant was the first answer he gave me. However, his second answer was quite hilarious. He expressed that he wanted King George to be able to see his signature even without his spectacles, and also he anticipated that the King would double the reward for his head. I found his jolly answer amusing.
As my final question, I asked Mr. John Hancock why he entertained and feasted with the officers of the French fleets.
“Well, I was considered Boston’s Number One Host you know,” Mr. Hancock replied. He also discussed the enormous amount of food and tea the French consumed. This included a giant number of poultry, ham, fruits and lots of butter. He had to send away for even more food because they never seemed to get full. He partied with his guests for six weeks until they finally departed. I could not imagine how difficult that task must have been for Mr. Hancock.
In parting with John Hancock I thanked him for his time and for educating me with his stories of his adventure as the first signer of the Declaration of Independence and his amazing show of patriotism that he helped shape for America.
In conclusion, I’ll leave you with the same words the French changed to Mr. Hancock. “Vive John Hancock!”
Julian Bowman wrote this as a fifth grader at Atkins Elementary School.
