Paul Revere made a series of rides, as far as Philadelphia, to publicize the events at Lexington and Concord. Hancock and Adams were greeted as heroes on the road to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
Hancock’s wealth, lavish lifestyle, and business experience appealed to wealthy merchants and planters at the Congress. He was also an experienced debate moderator. He held positions in Boston Town Meeting and the colonial legislature. He was unanimously elected as President on May 24, 1775.