American Founding Father JOHN HANCOCK stunning June 10th, 1776 appointment of William Manning, a minuteman and author who responded to the call to arms at Lexington and Concord. Signed less than a month before the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The document is counter-signed by Charles Thompson an accredited contributor to the Declaration.
 
The original Declaration of Independence, which was adopted on July 4th, 1776, contrary to popular belief, had the signatures of only two men on it, John Hancock and Charles Thomson. The engrossed declaration did not begin to be signed by the 56 signers until August 2nd, 1776. This document represents a complete set of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence as it stood on July 4th, 1776. 
 
Document features the same "IN CONGRESS" heading as the Declaration of Independence. The timing of the document incredible, signed in the 4 day period where the Congress deliberated on whether or not they wanted to begin to draft the Declaration of Independence. 
 
William Manning was a New England foot-soldier during the American revolution and author of the influential and studied work "Key to Libberty". On April 19, 1775, while serving in Captain Solomon Pollard’s company at age 27, he responded to the call to Arms at Lexington and Concord but arrived too late to be engaged in the battle. This document signed by Hancock represented his appointment to First Lieutenant following the battle. 
 
Accompanied by letter of authenticity from JAMES SPENCE AUTHENTICATION (JSA). Document is housed between two panes of glass in antique wood frame. Folds and scattered stains throughout. Holes at the intersection of each fold. Signed annotation on the back from Manning's son dated April 1st 1822 remitting the document "for the purpose of helping John Wilson to obtain his pension for being one of my father's soldiers". 
 
Sold as is, as shown.