“John [Adams] supposed there were two reasons why the British had gone after John Hancock. First, they wanted to make an example out of him, showing what would happen to anyone, no matter how rich, who dared to defy the new Townshend Act. Second, John Hancock was the biggest financial support of men like Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty. In fact, John Adams was reasonably sure that Sam Adams had no money whatsoever and that John Hancock was paying all his bills.” HistoryAmerican HistoryBostonUs HistoryDeclaration Of IndependenceJohn AdamsSamuel AdamsThe American RevolutionJohn Hancock Book:John Adams: Independence Forever Source: John Adams: Independence Forever