Hancock and condoled with him on the death of his uncle. Some wanted small
loans to tide over temporary emergencies, others had business ventures in
hand whereby John Hancock could double his wealth very shortly. Still
others spoke of wealth being a trust, and to use money to help your
fellow-men, and thus to secure the gratitude of many, was the proper
thing.

The unselfishness of the latter suggestion appealed to Hancock. To be the
friend of humanity, to assist others--this is the highest ambition to
which a man can aspire! And, of course, if one is pointed out on the
street as the good Mr. Hancock it can not be helped. It is the penalty of
well-doing.

So in order to give work to many and to promote the interests of Boston, a
thriving city of fifteen thousand inhabitants, for all good men wish to
build up the place in which they live, John Hancock was induced to embark
in shipbuilding. He also owned several ships of his own which traded with
London and the West Indies, and was part owner of others. But he publicly
explained that he did not care to make money for himself--his desire was
to give employment to the worthy poor and to enhance the good of Boston.

The aristocratic company of militia, known as the Governor's Guard, had
been fitted out with new uniforms and arms by the generous Hancock, and he
had been chosen commanding officer, with rank of Colonel. He drilled with
the crack company and studied the manual much more diligently than he ever
had his Bible.

Hancock lived in the mansion, inherited from his uncle, on Beacon Street,
facing the Common. There was a chariot and six horses for state occasions,
much fine furniture from over the sea, elegant clothes that the Puritans