Partly-printed manuscript DS, signed twice, “Robert Treat Paine” in the text of the document and “Rob Treat Paine” at the conclusion, one page, 11 x 17, May 15, 1781. Legal document from Paine as Massachusetts Attorney General, designating the property of Joseph Thompson as under control of the Commonwealth, as he had supported and fled to Great Britain in 1776, leaving his land unoccupied. In part: “[Thompson] conspired to levy War against the Government and People of this Province, Colony and State… adhered to the King of Great-Britain, his Fleets and Armies, Enemies of said Province, Colony and State… [and] did withdraw himself from this Province, Colony and State, into Parts and Places under the acknowledged Authority and Dominion of the said King of Great-Britain… by force of the Premises, and of the Law of this State, intitled, ‘An Act for confiscating the Estates of certain Persons commonly called Absentees,’ the above… lands… 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.” Central vertical and horizontal folds, with some separation to both, overall irregular toning, and tears and paper loss to top and bottom edges, otherwise very good condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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