Massachusetts lawyer (1731–1814) who served as one of the prosecutors of British soldiers during the Boston Massacre trial; he later signed the Declaration of Independence. Partly printed DS, signed “Rob. Treat Paine,” one page, 10.5 x 17.25, November 1781. A levy filed against the property of a British sympathizer who had fled the country. In part: “Robert Treat Paine Esq., Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in their behalf complains of Charles Ward Apthorp, Esq. of New York … levied War, and conspired to levy War against the Government and People of this Province, Colony, and State and then and there adhered to the King of Great Britain, his Fleets and Armies, Enemies of the said Province … and then and there did give to them Aid and Comfort … [and] without the Permission of the Legislative or Executive Authority of this or any other of the United States of America, did withdraw himself into Parts and Places under the acknowledged Authoity and Dominion of the said King of Great Britain…. And the said Attorney General further alledges, that by force of the Premises, and of the Law of this State, intituled ‘An Act for confiscating the Estates of certain Persons commonly called Absentees’ …the above … ought to Escheat, Enure, and Accrue to the sole Use and Benefit of the Commonwealth aforesaid, and they accordingly ought to be in the possession thereof….” In good condition, with intersecting folds (vertical fold to last letter of signature; partial separations with archival reinforcements to reverse), toning and mild soiling, light wrinkling, and a few small edge tears. The signature is clean and generally unaffected by any faults. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
