While people often reenact Paul Revere’s ride, they do not do that for an equally important part: Revere convincing John Hancock not to fight against the British. Both he and Adams managed to get Hancock to leave rather than join those fighting, according to the National Constitution Center. Why? If Hancock was captured, it would have been a big blow to those trying to gain independence from England’s rule. Morale could have been devastated. 

After America won the war, John Hancock became the first governor of Massachusetts in 1780. He served in that capacity until 1785, when he resigned. He ran again and held the position until his death in 1793, according to Biography. All of this might never have happened if he had followed his gut instincts and gone up against the British army in an effort to show King George III, a man he had once seen inaugurated, who exactly was in charge.

It’s a good thing that Hancock was not arrested by the British. He likely would have been executed for treason. Then he never would have had the chance to sign the Declaration of Independence … and the saying, “Can we get your John Hancock here?” would have never been created. Because “Can I get your Benjamin Franklin here?” just does not have the same ring to it.