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Fascinating 1700 colonial Massachusetts manuscript legal document concerning a prosecution for “Breach of Peace Cursing & Swearing” in Taunton, Massachusetts, and signed by Bristol County Justice of the Peace Nathaniel Paine.Dated February 20, 1700 under the contemporary Old Style calendar (February 20, 1701 by modern New Style reckoning), during the reign of King William III.
The document records a £5 recognizance entered into by John Rowley, then resident in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, husbandman. Rowley had apparently been summoned to give evidence under oath “on his Majesty’s behalf against Edward Briggs of Taunton for Breach of Peace Cursing & Swearing,” but failed or refused to do so.
Rowley was consequently required to appear before the Justices at the next General Sessions of the Peace at Bristol to answer for his contempt. In the meantime, he was required to remain of good behavior and “keep the peace of our Sovereign Lord the King” toward the King and his subjects.
The document concludes with the recognizance being taken before Nathaniel Paine (1661–1723/24), an important early Bristol, Massachusetts, public official. Paine was an original proprietor and early resident of Bristol and later served as a Massachusetts councillor, Judge of Probate and Judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas.An especially interesting glimpse into crime, morality and the administration of justice in colonial Massachusetts. Profane cursing and swearing could constitute an offense, while Rowley’s apparent failure or refusal to provide evidence for the Crown resulted in his own appearance before a justice and £5 recognizance.
Entirely manuscript on period laid paper, with additional contemporary docketing/writing on the reverse.Very good overall considering its approximately 325-year age. Original folds, expected toning and handling, and small holes/paper losses as shown. Ink remains remarkably strong and the principal text is highly legible. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.
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