John Hancock Merchant King and American Patriot
This paper is on the book John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot, written by Harlow Giles Unger. This book discusses how John Hancock was not only a merchant king but also an American patriot. I will discuss his later years of life after the merchant years and how he became an American Patriot, and a founding father of this great country. Hancock’s first big accomplishment here in America came when John Adams, with the support of Washington, elected John Hancock for presidency. ... Congress elected John Hancock unanimously; John called his election as the president of Congress “the greatest honor of his life”. ... Hancock’s defiance of British authority in Boston appealed to the radicals. ... Also, because of his vast experience directing a large organization, namely the House of Hancock. ... Hancock appointed a five-man committee to draft rules for the administration of the army. ... Hancock acclaimed his golden colonel’s uniform and believed that because of his service on the Boston Common with the Corps of Cadets, it made him best for the job of commander in chief, and eventually he was nominated. John Adams, who at the time was friends with John Hancock, opposed the choice because he thought George Washington would be better, due to the fact that Washington commanded the Virginia militia for nearly five years during the French and Indian War. So instead of nominating his friend, Hancock, Adams nominated George Washington. This upset John Hancock and he no longer considered Adams a friend, rather, he responded by removing John Adams off of committees. After this Washington was elected for the position over Hancock. ... While Washington went off to fight Hancock stayed and tried his hardest to be the best president of congress he could be by signing resolutions, such as the Olive branch petition, or the Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms. ... Hancock dealt with money problems by asking congress to consider practical matters, such as raising money, forming troops for the Continental Army and establishing basic governmental intuitions.