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Signature of Thomas Hutchinson

Thomas Hutchinson

The handwritten autograph signature of Thomas Hutchinson, as it appeared on his official acts and correspondence.

This is Hutchinson's own handwritten signature, used to authenticate his official acts and letters as governor.

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Handwritten cursive signature in dark ink reading "Thos. Hutchinson" with a long flourish underneath, on a light background.
Signature of Thomas Hutchinson, Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

About this source

What it is

This image shows the handwritten signature of Thomas Hutchinson, reading 'Thos. Hutchinson' in cursive with a long flourish underneath. It is the signature he used on official documents and letters during his time as a colonial official in Massachusetts.

Why it matters

A person's signature is a direct physical trace of their hand and authority. This signature appears on the official acts and correspondence of the province, linking it to the many documents, proclamations, and letters Hutchinson produced or approved as a leading figure in Massachusetts government.

Look closer

  • What does the style and flourish of the signature suggest about formal writing in this period?
  • Why do historians often use signatures to help verify the authenticity of documents?
  • What can a signature tell you about a person, and what can it not tell you?

This document is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Thomas Hutchinson on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Front cover of a bound book with reddish-brown and cream marbled paper boards, dark brown leather spine and corners with gold tooling along the edges, photographed against a light background.Letter

Primary source

Hutchinson–Whately Letters

Thomas Hutchinson · 1767–1769 (published 1773)

Front cover of a dark brown leather-bound book with a thin gold-tooled border line inset around the edges. The spine is visible on the left side. No title or text is visible on the cover.Book

Primary source

The History of the Colony and Province of Massachusetts-Bay

Thomas Hutchinson · 1764, 1767, 1828

Oil painting of a young man with pale face, grey-powdered hair, and dark eyes, wearing a brown coat with gold embroidered waistcoat edge and a white cravat, against a dark brown background.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of Thomas Hutchinson

Edward Truman · 1741

Photograph of a handwritten letter on aged paper behind glass, headed 'Massachusetts Bay' and 'By the Governor', addressed to Iohn Hancock and the people assembled in Boston. Text has crossed-out words and a stain.Document

Primary source

Letter Directing the Old South Tea Meeting to Adjourn

Thomas Hutchinson · November 30, 1773

Black-and-white woodcut-style print. A skeleton figure labeled Death thrusts a spear toward a seated man in a wig and coat, who has a halo of light behind him. A horned devil holds a tablet reading "List of Crimes" and is behind the skeleton. A skull and a money bag are on a table. A caption below reads "The wicked Statesman, or the Traitor to his Country, at the Hour of Death."Painting

Primary source

The Wicked Statesman political cartoon

Paul Revere · published 1774

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