Supplement to the John Hancock Income Funds Prospectus
for John Hancock Sovereign U.S. Government Income Fund
On September 15, 1998, the Trustees of the John Hancock Sovereign U.S.
Government Income Fund (the "Fund") voted to recommend that the shareholders
approve a tax-free reorganization of the Fund, as described below.
Under the terms of the reorganization, subject to shareholder approval at a
shareholder meeting scheduled to be held on November 11, 1998, the Fund would
transfer all of its assets and liabilities to John Hancock Government Income
Fund ("Government Income Fund") in a tax-free exchange for shares of equal value
of Government Income Fund. Further information regarding the proposed
reorganization will be contained in a proxy statement and prospectus which is
scheduled to be mailed to shareholders during the last week of September, 1998.
Effective September 16, 1998, John Hancock Sovereign U.S. Government Income Fund
will be closed to all new accounts.
September 15, 1998
INCPS 9/98
