John Hancock: Smuggler, Pirate, and Slave Owner

In Granary Burying Grounds sits the grave of a well-known founding father, John Hancock, however, many are oblivious to the disreputable aspects of his career. John Hancock accumulated his wealth by pirating goods with merchant vessels before and during the Revolutionary War. His smuggling tactics, emulated by many others in and around Boston, became a force which defied the British when the Colonies began pulling away from their mother country.

Participating in this form of piracy, Hancock had multiple run-ins with British law enforcement. After a previous failed attempt, British officers intercepted Hancock’s ship the Liberty bringing in casks of wine on May 9, 1768. They noted their suspicions but let Hancock unload and pay his tax. On June 9, 1768, a customs officer revised his statement regarding his time aboard the Liberty the previous month. He claimed to have seen more than the taxed casks and was thrown in the hold after refusing a bribe. Instead of awaiting legal action proceeding the report made by Joseph Harrison, British officer Benjamin Hallowell insisted that they seize the ship. With crewmembers aboard a British vessel, Hallowell boarded the ship, but an altercation arose as members of the Liberty’s crew defended it. Hallowell and Harrison fled after the fight escalated, and a crowd of 3,000 Bostonians gathered. The mob, upset by the disregard of proper legal proceedings and the British presence in Boston harbor, damaged Hallowell’s home and beached Harrison’s vessel, torching it after the men escaped.[1] This riot became known as the Liberty Affair.[2] During the following trial, John Adams defended Hancock, and the smuggling charges against him were dropped. The return of the Liberty, however, could not be negotiated.[3] Since Hancock was well known, the British thought he would be the perfect example of the consequences of defying the British crown. While the British used the trial to boost publicity, a number of historians claim that they employed false evidence.[4]

Five years later, the Boston Tea Party took place. This destruction of goods from the ships was an act of piracy by legal standards. While Hancock was not directly involved, it is clear that he endorsed the destruction of the tea since the East Indian Company cut its tea prices to compete with Hancock’s.[5] Hancock was also close with Sam Adams who orchestrated the event, and whose cousin previously defended him in court.[6]

These instances of piracy paint Hancock as a criminal. Yet Hancock was voted governor of Boston for nine terms. As governor, Hancock was respected. A letter written by a concerned citizen in 1782 urged Hancock to seek peace.[7] The letter-writter regarded Hancock as a reasonable man, though in his capacity as President of the Continental Congress, Hancock had supported Revolution and signed privateering liscences (like the one shown above). In his final term, although unable to stand or walk unassisted, the public still chose Hancock to lead their community.[8] It’s clear that Hancock was highly esteemed in the community, which recognized his admirable traits.

Despite how we remember Hancock as one who fought for Liberty, Hancock was a slave-owner. The gravestone at the foot of Hancock’s grave reads “Frank” with no surname or any other indicators of this man’s identity. Frank, a slave of Hancock family, was buried here in 1771. No real details are known of Frank’s life other than his enslaved status.[9]

When we praise Hancock's contributions to the history of the Revolution, we should also recall his involvement in smuggling and slave ownership, two forms of piracy.

—Autumn West

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[1] “The Liberty Affair – John Hancock Loses a Ship and Starts a Riot.” New England Historical Society. New England Historical Society, June 10, 2019. http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-liberty-affair-john-hancock-loses-a-ship-and-starts-a-riot/.
[2] O. M. Dickerson, "John Hancock: Notorious Smuggler or Near Victim of British Revenue Racketeers?" The Mississippi Valley Historical Review 32, no. 4 (1946): 517-40. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1895239.
[3] “The Liberty Affair – John Hancock Loses a Ship and Starts a Riot.” New England Historical Society. New England Historical Society, June 10, 2019. http://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/the-liberty-affair-john-hancock-loses-a-ship-and-starts-a-riot/.
[4] O. M. Dickerson, "John Hancock: Notorious Smuggler or Near Victim of British Revenue Racketeers?" The Mississippi Valley Historical Review 32, no. 4 (1946): 517-40. http://www.jstor.org/stable/1895239.
[5] “John Hancock - Smuggling Powerhouse.” Boston Tea Party Historical Society. Holypark Media, 2008. http://www.boston-tea-party.org/smuggling/John-Hancock.html.
[6] “John Hancock - Smuggling Powerhouse.” Boston Tea Party Historical Society. Holypark Media, 2008. http://www.boston-tea-party.org/smuggling/John-Hancock.html.
[7] William Heath, “Letter to John Hancock about Peace,” Highlands, N.Y., January 1, 1782. Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/lettertojohnhanc00heat_0.
[8] Barbara A. Somervill, John Hancock: Signer for Independence (Minneapolis, MN: Compass Point Books, 2005).
[9] Glenn A. Knoblock, African American Historic Burial Grounds and Gravesites of New England (Jefferson, NC: McFarland et Company, Inc., Publishers, 2016).

Pictured: Letter of Marque allowing for privateering signed by John Hancock. Frank's grave, at the foot of John Hancock's grave .

**To go to Great Elm (Site 14), head northeast and take a right onto Tremont St. Cross Park Street onto Boston Common. Continue down Tremont Street along the Common and take a right into the park. Turn right and then take another right. The destination will be straight-ahead.**