Political figure in the American Revolution and signer of the Declaration of Independence. He served briefly as a chaplain in the French and Indian War but gave up the ministry for law. In 1770 he conducted the prosecution of the British troops indicted for murder in the Boston Massacre. Paine was a member of the Continental Congress and in 1775 was sent (with John Langdon and Robert R. Livingston) on an unsuccessful mission to win Canada to the Revolutionary cause. Paine later served as attorney general of Massachusetts and then (1790–1804) as state supreme court justice. DS, signed “R. T. Paine,” one page, 6.75 x 8.25, January 1788. Document regarding James Lovel, the collector of Imports and Excise and the Schooner Friendship’s cargo, “consisting of seven casks of fish oil…cod fish,” and the taxes due upon them. In very good condition, with some light brushing and running to a few words of text, light overall toning, heavier in the folds and some light edge wear. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
