Show john hancock was feared as terrible Desp desperado erad john hancock born more than years ago was one of the most daring of the boston patriots during the early history of the colonies and the revolutionary war writes leslie hartley in the washington star esteemed as a leader in the M massachusetts ass achu colony he was hated hate d and feared as a terrible desperado by the british who ordered his seizure on a charge of high treason warned of these orders when paul revere made his famous midnight ride from charlestown Charles town to lexington hancock escaped As he fled across the fields a shot was fired that was heard around the world and the first battle of the american revolution had begun the battle of lexington april 19 1775 in the stirring days which followed hancock played an important role elected president of the C continental congress he was serving in this capacity when the declaration la of independence was signed and his name in bold letters was the first signature on the historic document later he was elected the first governor of massachusetts and held this office with the exception of the years 1783 1785 until his death in 1793 |