Existing comment:
The real John Hancock
This certificate of election, or credentials, was signed by John Hancock for Tristram Dalton, a Senator for Massachusetts. After a new Senator was chosen by the state legislature, a formal certificate was submitted to be signed by the state governor. In 1789, John Hancock -- whose name now means "signature" -- was Governor of Massachusetts and signed the credentials. Each Congressman presented his credentials when reporting to Congress. |