Collection Summary
Biographical Sketches
Sources
Collection Description
Arrangement
Related Materials
Acquisition Information
Restrictions on Access
Other Formats
Detailed Description of the Collection digital content
List of Family Correspondence
Preferred Citation
Access Terms

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Robert Treat Paine Papers

1659-1916

Guide to the Microfilm Edition

browse digital content

Representative digitized documents from this collection:

Restrictions on Access

Use of this collection is restricted. Select items are available as color digital facsimiles (see links below). Black and white microfilm is also available for use in the library, P-392.

Collection Summary

Creator:	Paine, Robert Treat, 1731-1814
Title:	Robert Treat Paine papers
Dates:	1659-1916
Physical Description:	19 microfilm reels
Microfilm Call Number:	P-392
Call Number:	Ms. N-641
Catalog Record:	To search the library catalog for related subjects, click here.
Repository:	Massachusetts Historical Society 1154 Boylston StreetBoston, MA 02215library@masshist.org

Abstract

This collection consists of the papers of Robert Treat Paine, Massachusetts lawyer, politician, member of the First Continental Congress (1774), signer of the Declaration of Independence, and justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. The collection also contains the papers of other family members, including Thomas Paine.

Biographical Sketches

Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine (1694-1757), a native of Barnstable, Mass., graduated from Harvard College in 1717. He worked as an itinerant preacher until, in 1719, he was ordained as the minister of Weymouth. In 1721, he married Eunice Treat of Boston, daughter of Rev. Samuel Treat of Eastham and granddaughter of Rev. Samuel Willard of the Old South Church, Boston. Paine left the ministry in 1734 and embarked on a career as a merchant in Boston, often suffering from the vagaries of trade in the 1740s. In 1754, he moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, but became ill and returned to Boston in 1756. He died the following year in Germantown at the home of his daughter Abigail Greenleaf.

Paine's surviving children were: Abigail (1725-1809), who married Joseph Greenleaf; Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814); and Eunice Paine (1733-1803), unmarried sister and frequent correspondent of Robert Treat Paine.

Robert Treat Paine

Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814), son of Thomas Paine (1694-1757), was born in Boston, attended the Boston Latin School, and graduated from Harvard College in 1749. For one year, he taught school in Lunenburg, Mass., then worked as a merchant in the southern trade, traveling to the Azores and Spain and on a whaling voyage to Greenland. In 1755, he served as chaplain for the Crown Point campaign. Paine returned to Boston in 1756 to continue his law studies, which he had begun informally two years earlier in Lancaster, Mass. He studied under Benjamin Prat and was admitted to the bar in 1757. Initially burdened with the settlement of his father's insolvent estate, Paine moved to Taunton in 1761, where he developed his legal practice, following the circuit of courts through Massachusetts and the province of Maine. He was appointed a justice of the peace in 1763, served in various local capacities, and was eventually elected to represent Taunton in the state legislature beginning in 1773.

Paine's involvement in provincial politics began in 1770, when the town of Boston asked him to assist in the prosecution of the Boston Massacre trials. A member of the Massachusetts delegation to the First Continental Congress in 1774, he served in Philadelphia as chairman of the ordnance committee and was among the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He represented Taunton in the three Provincial Congresses and returned to the state legislature in 1777, when he was chosen Speaker pro tempore. Elected attorney general that same year, Paine supervised the condemnation of Tory estates, prosecuted the insurgents of Shays' Rebellion, participated in the Commonwealth's Constitutional Convention, and served on the committee to revise the laws. In 1790, he was appointed an associate justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts and served on the bench until his retirement in 1804. He died in Boston in 1814, aged 80.

Paine was married to Sally Cobb of Taunton (1744-1816), sister of Gen. David Cobb. Their eight children were: Robert (1770-1798), Sally (1772-1823), Thomas (who, in 1801, changed his name to Robert Treat Paine, Jr.) (1773-1811), Charles (1775-1810), Henry (1777-1814), Mary (1780-1842), Maria Antoinette (1782-1842), and Lucretia (1785-1823).

Sources

For further information on Thomas Paine (1694-1757), see Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 6: 201-207.

For further information on Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814), see Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 12: 462-482.

Collection Description

This collection consists of the papers of Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814), Massachusetts lawyer, politician, member of the First Continental Congress (1774), signer of the Declaration of Independence, and justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. Included are correspondence; account books (1751-1814); business and legal papers kept by Paine as a lawyer, attorney general, and judge; minutes of trials, including the Boston Massacre and Shays' Rebellion trials; and documents related to his work as a local and state politician. Earlier papers include his sea journals/logbooks (1750-1754) kept on trading voyages to Cape Hatteras and North Carolina, the Azores, and Cadiz, Spain, and on a whaling voyage off Greenland; diaries (1745-1814); and sermons given in Massachusetts and as chaplain on the Crown Point Expedition during the French and Indian War (1755).

The collection also contains the papers of other family members, a significant amount of Paine family correspondence, and legal and financial papers (including the estates of Robert Treat Paine and his father Thomas). Papers of family members include the annotated almanacs (1716-1750) and sermons (1724-1733) of Paine's father Thomas Paine (1694-1757); the diary (1785-1791) of Paine's son Robert Paine (1770-1798); and the astronomical observations (1833-1837) of Paine's grandson Robert Treat Paine (1803-1885). Other family members represented in the collection include Paine's sons Robert Treat Paine, Jr. (1773-1811) (originally Thomas Paine) and Charles Paine (1775-1810); grandson Charles Cushing Paine (1808-1874); and great-grandson Charles Jackson Paine (1833-1916). The collection also contains catalogs of private libraries and genealogical information. Among the many correspondents are Richard Cranch, Joseph Greenleaf, John Hancock, David Cobb, Shearjashub Bourne, and Elbridge Gerry.

Arrangement

A one-volume index to the Paine papers was prepared by Charles Cushing Paine, and many of the items in this collection were numbered in the upper right-hand corner. This index, located at the end of Reel 8 (Series I.N.), reflects an earlier arrangement of the collection and is now obsolete.

This revised microfilm edition supersedes all previous guides to the Robert Treat Paine papers, including the 1991 Guide to the Microfilm Edition of the Robert Treat Paine Papers, microfilmed on Reel 1.

Acquisition Information

The first items in this collection, two manuscript sermons by Thomas Paine, were donated to the MHS on 12 April 1888 by Robert Treat Paine (1861-1943) from the estate of his late cousin Robert Treat Paine (1803-1885). The first major group of papers came from John B. Paine, Helen P. Kimball, Georgina P. Fisher, Mary A. Winsor, and Frank C. Paine in 1940. An addition containing printed material and more manuscripts was added in 1954. In 1972, an allegorical letter from Robert Treat Paine to Mr. and Mrs. George Leonard, Jr., dated 1 January 1760, was purchased by the MHS.

Restrictions on Access

Use of this collection is restricted. Select items are available as color digital facsimiles (see links below). Black and white microfilm is also available for use in the library, P-392.

Other Formats

Portions of this collection have been published as The Papers of Robert Treat Paine, edited by Stephen T. Riley and Edward W. Hanson (MHS Collections, vols. 87-89, 92). Digital editions of Vols. 1-4 are available at https://www.masshist.org/publications/rtpp/.

Portions of Paine's legal notes are available as color digital facsimiles. See the Detailed Description of the Collection below for links to digital images.

Black and white digital images of this collection--produced from the microfilm edition--are available as part of History Vault: Revolutionary War and Early America, a digital resource from ProQuest. This resource is available at subscribing libraries; speak to your local librarian to determine if your library has access. The MHS also provides access onsite to the Society's contributions to this resource; see a reference librarian for more information.

Digital facsimiles of the Robert Treat Paine logbooks are available on Life at Sea, a digital publication of Adam Matthew Digital, Inc. This digital resource is available at subscribing libraries; speak to your local librarian to determine if your library has access. The MHS makes this resource available onsite; see a reference librarian for more information.

Detailed Description of the Collection

I. Family papers, 1659-1916

A. Family correspondence, 1713-1854

Arranged chronologically.

This subseries consists of the incoming and outgoing correspondence of Paine family members, including Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814). For a chronological list of the items in this subseries, see the List of Family Correspondence or click on the links below.

Reel 1

Guide to the Microfilm Edition

Reel 1Box 1-2

Correspondence, 1713-1756

Reel 2Box 2

Correspondence, 1757-1765

Reel 3Box 3

Correspondence, 1766-1775

Reel 4Box 4-5

Correspondence, 1776-1784

Reel 5Box 5-6

Correspondence, 1785-1808

Reel 6Box 6

Correspondence, 1809-1854

Reel 6Box 6

Correspondence, undated (19th century)

Reel 6Case 1

Robert Treat Paine letterbook, 1751-1754 (unbound)

Reel 6Case 1

Robert Treat Paine letterbook, 1756-1765

B. Legal and financial papers, 1659-1867

Arranged chronologically.

This subseries consists of the legal and financial papers of all Paine family members except Thomas Paine (1694-1757) and Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814). Among the papers in this subseries are copies of family wills and deeds, including those of the Treat and Estabrook families (Rev. Benjamin Estabrook was the first husband of Robert Treat Paine's maternal grandmother), as well as receipts, powers of attorney, promissory notes, accounts, memoranda, bills, inventories, agreements, correspondence, and other papers. The subseries also contains Land Bank papers, 1739-1749, which consist of broadsides and supplements to the Boston Evening-Post.

Reel 7Box 9

Reel 7Box 10

Certificate of admission, Harvard College, for Sumner Paine, signed by C. C. Felton, president, 16 July 1861

D. Charles Paine papers, 1789-1806

This subseries contains the papers of Charles Paine (1775-1810), son of Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814).

Reel 7Box 10

Latin oration, 1789

Reel 7Box 10

Certificate as Master Mason, St. John's Lodge, 15 Dec. 1806

E. Charles Cushing Paine papers, 1716-1900

Arranged chronologically.

This subseries contains the papers of Charles Cushing Paine (1808-1874), son of Charles Paine (1775-1810). Among the papers in this subseries are Boston Latin School records; diplomas, certificates, and other papers from Harvard College; records of social engagements; legal notes; notes on family papers; correspondence; and a genealogy of the Paine family, including a transcription of the diary of Thomas Paine, 1 Jan. 1716-4 Feb. 1749.

F. Charles Jackson Paine papers, 1849-1916

Arranged chronologically.

This subseries contains the papers of Charles Jackson Paine (1833-1916), son of Charles Cushing Paine (1808-1874). Included are school papers from Boston Latin School and Harvard College, military commissions signed by Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson, and other papers.

G. Calling cards and silhouettes, undated

This subseries consists of two silhouettes of unidentified men and calling cards from Lady Temple, Mrs. King, Mrs. Deblois, Mrs. T. B. Adams, Miss Nicholson, Mrs. Robertson, Miss Thompson, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Gerry, Mrs. Few, Bartlett Paine, Mrs. Cole, Mrs. H. Hubbard, Mrs. Washington, and Mrs. Greene.

Reel 7Box 10

H. Copies of wills, 1707-1855

This subseries contains inventories, accounts, and copies of family wills in the handwriting of Charles Cushing Paine (1808-1874).

Charles Cushing Paine's book catalog, Jan. 1850

J. Richard Cranch manuscript, undated

This subseries consists of a manuscript translation by Richard Cranch of "A Sermon on the Passions; by Monsr. James Saurin, Minister of the French Church at the Hague. Translated from the French."

Reel 8Case 5

K. Robert Paine diary, 1785-1791

This subseries consists of the diary of Robert Paine (1770-1798), son of Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814), kept from 1 July 1785-30 Nov. 1791 in Cambridge and Boston, Mass. Diary entries describe Paine's activities as a student at Harvard in the class of 1789, his apprenticeship in a Boston law office, social engagements, local and family news, and the weather.

Reel 8

L. Robert Treat Paine, Jr. writings, 1790-1811

This subseries consists of the poetry and other works of Robert Treat Paine, Jr. (1773-1811) (originally Thomas Paine), son of Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814). Included are both a manuscript draft and printed copy of Robert Treat Paine, Jr.'s poem "The Ruling Passion," 1797 (first printed at Manning and Loring), and a eulogy on the life of George Washington, 2 Jan. 1800.

Spain. An Account of the Public Festival given by the citizens of Boston at the Exchange Coffee House, January 2, 1809, in honor of Spanish valour & Patriotism..., by Robert Treat Paine, Jr. (Boston, [1809])

Inscribed to Robert Treat Paine by the author of the sketch.

Reel 8Case 4

A Monody on the death of Lieut. General Sir John Moore. With notes, historical and political, by R. T. Paine, Jr. (Boston, 1811)

Inscribed to Robert Treat Paine by the author.

M. Robert Treat Paine (1803-1885) astronomical observations, 1833-1837

This subseries consists of the astronomical observations of Robert Treat Paine (1803-1885), son of Robert Treat Paine, Jr. (1773-1811). The 5 notebooks in this subseries are entitled: "Astronomical Observations for the determination of the Latitude and Longitude of places in Massachusetts," from the Boston State House and other public buildings throughout New England, 16 Mar. 1833-28 Dec. 1837.

Reel 8Case 7

N. Index to the Paine papers, undated

This subseries consists of an index to the Paine papers compiled by Charles Cushing Paine.

Reel 8Case 8

O. Thomas Paine papers, 1664-1761

This subseries consists of the diaries, almanacs, sermons, legal and financial records, and other papers of Thomas Paine (1694-1757), father of Robert Treat Paine (1731-1814).

Diaries and annotated almanacs, 1716-1750

1 volume containing 10 booklets

Arranged chronologically.

Diary entries describe wind, weather, and other meteorological events; Paine's studies at Harvard College, 1716-1717; his career as an itinerant minister and eventual ordination as minister of the First (Congregational) Church in Weymouth, Mass.; and his career as merchant in Boston after leaving Weymouth in 1734.

Almanacs, 1664-1728

1 volume containing 9 booklets

Included are European almanacs collected by Thomas Paine and copies of almanacs published by him.

Reel 9Case 10

Catastrophe Mundi, by John Holwell (London), imperfect, 1682

Sermons, 1724-1733

1 volume containing 2 booklets

Included are attached pages of a later date with genealogical notes and a donation letter (Boston, 6 Apr. 1888) from Robert Treat Paine (1861-1943) giving these sermons to the Massachusetts Historical Society from the estate of his cousin Robert Treat Paine (1803-1885).

Reel 9Case 11

Sermon on Job 1:24 with letter from Thomas Paine to his mother Bethiah Thacher Paine, Weymouth, 2 Feb. 1724

Reel 9Case 11

Sermon "Pronounced to the Church & Congregation in the North Parish in Weyth. being called together for that Purpose and met in their Meeting House," 10 Dec. 1733

Legal and financial papers, 1715-1761

Arranged chronologically.

Included are papers from Thomas Paine's mercantile business and personal estate. Paine's deeds to family members, 1749, include his bequests of "all my Books," "my Negro Cato and all my household stuff..."

Note: For materials related to the settlement of Thomas Paine's estate after his death, see Series IV. Robert Treat Paine business, legal, and financial papers.

On verso: voyage in sloop Hannah "to sundry Expences."

Reel 9Box 11

Nonfeasance: Judgment against Thomas Paine, 3 June 1752

Reel 9Box 11

Accounts, 24 Aug. [1752?]-27 Oct. 1752

Reel 9Box 11

Receipt: For Elizabeth Paine from Jonathan Paine of Truro, 1 Nov. 1752 [copy]

Reel 9Box 11

Summons: Samuel Phillips of Easton in Thomas Paine vs. Phillips, 1 Nov. 1752

Used as cover of Robert Treat Paine account book, 20 June 1757-4 Mar. 1761 (Series IV. Robert Treat Paine business, legal, and financial papers).

Miscellaneous, 1715

Reel 10Case 12

Memorandum book with notes on Thomas Paine's legal studies, coinage of nations, list of kings of England

Reel 10Case 13

Manuscript copy of Charles Morton's Compendium Physicae, 1715

II. Robert Treat Paine diaries and journals, 1745-1814

This series consists of the diaries and sea journals of Robert Treat Paine, kept from 25 Mar. 1745 to 8 May 1814. Diary entries describe Paine's daily activities, including his education at Harvard; his theological and legal studies; his career as a lawyer in Taunton, Mass.; his role as prosecuting attorney in the Boston Massacre trial; his participation in the Continental Congress in 1774 and 1776; his career as attorney general of Massachusetts, 1777-1796; and his role as judge on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, 1796-1804. Also included are Paine's sea journals/logbooks describing his travels between 1750 and 1754, including trading missions from Boston to North Carolina; Fayal, Azores; Cadiz, Spain; and a whaling voyage to Greenland. Entries note weather and general sailing conditions.

A. Diaries, 1745-1814

Reel 10Case 14

Diary (shorthand), 1745-1750, 1755-1756 and bracography

Diaries, 1746-1756

1 volume containing 9 notebooks

Diary, 1 Jan. 1760-31 Aug. 1767

Reel 10Case 18

Diary, 1 Sep. 1767-24 Apr. 1775

Reel 10Case 18

Diary, 24 Apr. 1775-2 Apr. 1785

Reel 10Case 20

Diary, 1 Jan. 1785-8 May 1814

B. Sea journals, 1751-1754

Reel 11Case 21

"Journal of a Voyage from Cape Cod towards Davis's Streights in Sloop Seaflower" with sketches, 6 May-25 Aug. 1754

Reel 11Case 21

"Journal of a Voyage in the Sloop Success (Annuente Providentia) from Cape Cod...to Cape Hatteras" with occasional sketches, 6 Feb. 1751-30 Jan. 1754

Included in this journal are trips from Boston to North Carolina, 6-14 Feb. 1751; North Carolina to Boston, 26 June-3 July 1751; Boston to Philadelphia in the brigantine Charming Polly, 7-15 Sep. 1751; Boston to North Carolina in the sloop Hannah, 17-27 May 1753; Ocacoe Inlet, N.C., to Fayal in the Hannah, 10 Aug.-14 Sep. 1753; Fayal to Cadiz in the Hannah, 25 Sep.-11 Oct. 1753; and Cadiz to Boston in the Hannah, 5 Dec. 1753-30 Jan. 1754.

Reel 11Case 21

"Journal of a Voyage from Martha's Vineyard towards North Carolina" aboard the brigantine Primrose, 9-25 Feb. 1752, return aboard the sloop Ranger, 11-26 Nov. 1752

III. Robert Treat Paine sermons, 1749-1755

1 volume

This bulk of this series consists of sermons delivered by Robert Treat Paine in 1755 in Massachusetts and as chaplain on the Crown Point Expedition during the French and Indian War.

Reel 11Volume 22

Unidentified sermon notes

IV. Robert Treat Paine business, legal, and financial papers, 1677-1814Digital Content

This series consists of papers created and acquired by Robert Treat Paine in his merchant business, legal practice, and personal transactions. Included are account books, cash books, writs, powers of attorney, records of court sessions, rulings, deeds, and mortgages. This series also contains papers related to the Boston Massacre trial, Tyng vs. Gardiner (Kennebeck Purchase), Banister vs. Copley, and the settlement of the estates of Thomas Paine and Robert Treat Paine.

Note: Loose items from the notes, account books, bank books, and cash books (Reel 11) have been removed and microfilmed chronologically with the loose papers on Reel 15. Loose items from the minutes of trials and law cases (Reel 13 and 14) have been microfilmed at the end of Reel 16.

A. Volumes, 1677-1814Digital Content

Financial volumes, 1751-1814

Notes, loans, etc., 1759-1805

1 volume containing 2 notebooks

Reel 11

Notes due to Robert Treat Paine, Jan. 1781, with annotation on resolution, 1759-1785

Reel 11

Memorandum book of notes, loans, bank stock, and all securities, 1793-1805

Notes, accounts, and bank books, 1762-1814

1 volume containing 7 notebooks

Account book, Sep. 1761-26 May 1771

Reel 11Case 26

Cash book, 1 Jan. 1762-31 Dec. 1767

Reel 11Case 27

Cash book, 18 Jan. 1768-18 Apr. 1775

Reel 11Case 28

Cash book, 2 Jan. 1786-31 Dec. 1797

Includes letter from Pres. John Adams accepting an invitation from Robert Treat Paine and his wife to visit their son's chamber at Harvard commencement, used by Robert Treat Paine for calculations.

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Minutes of trials and law cases, Superior Court, Court of General Sessions, and Court of Common Pleas, 1777-1782Digital Content

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Reel 14

Notes on "The Husbands right to his wife's Estate. Statutes made in 1784 & 1789"

Reel 15

Items removed from bank deposit books, 9 Nov. 1801-22 Aug. 1814 (Reel 11)

Other financial and legal papers, 1750-1814

Arranged chronologically.

Reel 15

Miscellaneous financial and legal papers, undated

Includes draft of House of Representatives address to governor respecting impeachment of Peter Oliver.

On verso of address sheet to Henry Snoad.

On verso: payment order, Robert Treat Paine to Edward Salter, 2 Nov. 1752.

Includes list of creditors of the estate of Thomas Paine, 18 Jan. 1760, and list of creditors' receipts.

With attached account.

Reel 15

Writ of execution: Thomas Hutchinson, Jr. of Boston vs. Josiah Cornish of Taunton, 11 Feb. 1767, receipt by Robert Treat Paine, 11 July 1767

Reel 15

Writ of attachment: William Brown of Dighton vs. Caleb Eddy of Norton, 20 July 1767

With attached account.

On verso: case list, Plymouth Common Pleas, Dec. 1773-Apr. 1774.

Bill: Robinson vs. Cummings, Bristol Common Pleas, 16 Jan.-Aug. 1768

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: Rufus Whitmarsh of Dighton vs. James Child of Barnstable, 26 Jan. 1768

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: David Whitmarsh and Rufus Whitmarsh, both of Dighton vs. Jonathan Burt of Norton, 28 Jan. 1768

Reel 16

Power of attorney: William Dawes of Boston appoints Robert Treat Paine, 20 Feb. 1768

Reel 16

List of writs to Barnstable and Plymouth courts, Apr. 1768

On verso: summons to Nathan Brewster of Duxborough in William Bennit of Marshfield vs. Brewster, 10 Nov. 1767.

With attached account.

Writ of attachment: Thomas Robinson of Newport, R.I. vs. Charles Church of Freetown, Samuel Spooner, Joseph Borden, and Andrew [Riche?] of Freetown, 31 Oct. 1768

With attached account.

On verso: power of attorney: Zachariah Gurney appoints Robert Treat Paine, 13 Apr. 1769.

Writ of attachment: Henry Laughton, Benjamin Faneuil, and Bossenger Foster, all of Boston vs. Robert Gould of Boston, 22 Sep. 1769

With attached account of Robert Gould with the estate of James Griffin, deceased.

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: Henry Laughton, Benjamin Faneuil, and Bossenger Foster vs. John Crandon of Dartmouth, agent and trustee of Robert Gould, 28 Sep. 1769

With attached account of Robert Gould with the estate of James Griffin, deceased.

Reel 16

Writ of execution: Jane Brown of Providence, R.I., Robert Brown of South Kingston, R.I., and Matthew Robinson of South Kingston, surviving executors of John Brown of Newport, R.I. vs. James Edmester, Jr. of Freetown, 3 Oct. 1770

Reel 16

Power of attorney: Noah Hall of Raynham appoints Robert Treat Paine, 17 Dec. 1770

Reel 16

Summons: To Thomas Willis of Eaton in Solomon Ripley of Bridgwater vs. Willis, 29 Jan. 1771

On verso: case list, Plymouth Court, Apr. 1771.

Power of attorney: Daniel Hathway of Dartmouth vs. Robert Treat Paine, 12 Mar. 1771

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: Edward Shove of Dighton vs. Ichabod Packard of Oakham, 22 Mar. 1771

Reel 16

Case list: Plymouth Court, Apr. 1771

On verso: summons to Thomas Willis of Eaton in Solomon Ripley of Bridgwater vs. Willis, 29 Jan. 1771.

With attached account.

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: William Brown of Dighton vs. Abial Peirce of Middleborough, 23 Aug. 1771

Reel 16

Summons: To James Strobridge of Middleborough in John McPherson of Dartmouth vs. Strobridge, 26 Apr. 1771

Declaration of case on verso.

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: Jabez Bowen of Providence, R.I. vs. John Harvey of Taunton, 23 Dec. 1771

With attached account.

With attached account.

Reel 16

Power of attorney: Seth Hathaway of Taunton appoints Robert Treat Paine, 20 Aug. 1773

Reel 16

Writ of attachment: Aaron Lopez of Newport, R.I. vs. Thomas Gilbert of Freetown, 28 Aug. 1773

Reel 16

Case list: Bristol Superior Court, Oct. 1773-Sep. [1774?]

Reel 16

Case list: Taunton Court, Dec. 1773-Mar. 1774

On verso: summons to Samuel Pearse of Plymouth in Francis Adams of Kingston vs. Pearse, 14 Aug. 1773.

Reel 16

Case list: Plymouth Common Pleas, Dec. 1773-Apr. 1774

On verso: summons to Elkanah Elmes of Middleborough in Thomas Brownell of Portsmouth, R.I. vs. Elmes, 30 June 1767.

Reel 16

Summons: To John Winslow of Rochester in William Tallman of Dartmouth vs. Winslow, 13 Jan. 1774

On verso: case list: writs to Plymouth Common Pleas, Apr. 1774.

Reel 16

Power of attorney: Isaac Hathaway of Middleboro appoints Robert Treat Paine, 16 Mar. 1774

Reel 16

Case list: Writs to Plymouth Common Pleas, Apr. 1774

On verso: summons to John Winslow of Rochester in William Tallman of Dartmouth vs. Winslow, 13 Jan. 1774.

Deed of release: Jeremiah Clark, Jr. of Hampton, Conn., releases Robert Treat Paine, Joseph and Abigail Paine Greenleaf, and Eunice Paine on responsibilities for back taxes on land in Windham, Conn., 5 Nov. 1788

Reel 16

Deed: Noah Hall of Raynham sells land in Raynham to Robert Treat Paine, 5 Nov. 1788

Attached: memorandum of a judgment obtained by Robert Treat Paine against Noah Hall, 25 Aug. 1788.

V. Robert Treat Paine political and judicial papers, 1758-1807Digital Content

This series consists of documents created and acquired by Robert Treat Paine during his public service at the town, county, state, and national levels, including his years as justice of the peace, attorney general, justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and delegate to the Continental Congress. This series also contains Paine's political writings, local and county committee reports, papers related to Shays' Rebellion and absentees, minutes of trials and law cases, and petitions to the legislature for compensation as attorney general.

A. U.S. Congress circular on muskets, 6 Dec. 1775

Written in Robert Treat Paine's hand, annotated.

C. Minutes of criminal trials, attorney general, Supreme Judicial Court, 1780-1789Digital Content

Note: Loose items from this volume have been removed and microfilmed on Reel 18.

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Governor's order for release of Josiah Whitney, 5 Apr. 1787 [copy]

Copy by John Avery, with added note by James Bowdoin.

Reel 17Box 14

Governor's order to release Josiah Walker on bail, 1 Mar. 1787

Copy by John Avery, including James Bowdoin to Levi Lincoln, Boston, 2 Mar. 1787, and Levi Lincoln to [Robert Treat Paine?], Worcester, 9 Mar. 1787

Reel 17Box 14

List of witnesses examined at Northampton, Apr. 1787

E. Charges to grand juries, 1790-1803

Reel 17Case 39

F. Other political and judicial papers, 1758-1807

Arranged chronologically.

With attached account.

Summons: To Nathaniel White of Taunton in Royal Lawton of Taunton vs. White, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 18 Apr. 1766

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: Robert Crooke of Newport, R.I. vs. Edmund Leonard of Raynham, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 23 Apr. 1766 [2 copies]

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: John McWhorter of Taunton vs. Gilford Hathaway of Freetown, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 29 Apr. 1766

With attached account.

With attached account.

Writ of attachment: Samuel White of Taunton vs. Isaac Gould of Attleborough, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 12 July 1768

With attached account.

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: Samuel White of Taunton vs. Isaac Linkon of Rehoboth, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 12 July 1768

With attached account.

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: Samuel White of Taunton vs. Lucas Wilson of Rehoboth, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 12 July 1768

With attached account.

With attached account.

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: Samuel White of Taunton vs. Nicholas Webster of Berkley, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 27 Dec. 1768

With attached account.

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: Samuel White of Taunton vs. George Eliot of Taunton, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 28 Dec. 1768

Includes lists of absentee estates in Hampshire, Lincoln, Cumberland, Essex, Berkshire, Plymouth, and York counties.

With attached account.

Reel 18Box 15

Summons: To Levi White of Norton in Abijah Wilbore of Raynham vs. White, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 13 July 1769

Reel 18Box 15

Court costs: Robert Treat Paine to Bristol County in Porter vs. Cole, 3 July 1769

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: John Porter of Taunton vs. Daniel Linkon, 2d, of Taunton, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 14 July 1769

Reel 18Box 15

Summons: Thomas Gilbert of Berkley, as agent and trustee for William Gyles, in Thomas White vs. William Gyles, 21 July 1769

Judgment by Robert Treat Paine on verso.

Summons: To Mary Redman of Stoughton in Nehemiah Liscombe of Taunton vs. Redman, 5 Feb. 1770

On verso: case list for May court.

Reel 18Box 15

Summons: To William Restrey of Taunton in Benjamin Crossman of Taunton vs. Restrey, 12 May 1770

On verso: case list for Taunton court, Sep. 1770.

Reel 18Box 15

Case notes: Waterman vs. Gillings, Plymouth Common Pleas, July 1770

On verso: epitaph for Mrs. Elizabeth Pool.

Reel 18Box 15

Petition of inhabitants of Taunton to General Court regarding destruction of alewives, [Oct. 1770?] [Robert Treat Paine draft]

Reel 18Box 15

Case notes: Bowers vs. White, Taunton court, Dec. 1770

Reel 18Box 15

Appointment by Taunton town meeting of a committee to petition the General Court respecting the taking of alewives and other fish by seining in Taunton Great River, 9 July 1770

Committee: Robert Treat Paine, George Godfrey, and Daniel Leonard.

Reel 18Box 15

Writ of attachment: Jonathan Walker in Josiah Richmond of Taunton vs. Walker, Robert Treat Paine as justice of the peace, 20 Mar. 1771 [badly damaged]

With enclosed promissory note to pay Josiah Richmond, 10 Sep. 1770.

Payroll of travel and attendance, justices of Bristol County, Dec. 1775-Sep. 1778

Reel 18Box 15

Contract between Joseph Simmons and William Henry of Lancaster, Pa., and committee of Congress about the manufacture of muskets, [1776?] [draft]

Reel 18Box 15

Proposal for improving artillery, both for sea and land service, [1776?]

Extracts in Robert Treat Paine's handwriting of material by John Muller, 21 Jan. 1767.

On verso: extract of resolve impounding British or Irish manufactures, 6 Apr. 1776.

Reel 18Box 15

Petition of town of Taunton to General Court concerning drawing in bills of credit, 24 Nov. 1777

Appended: list of "Remonstrances from these towns dwell on the vile oppression & avarice of monopolists &c."

Reel 18Box 15

Reel 18Box 15

Transport permit, signed by James Pattison, commandant of New York, 23 June 1780

Reel 18Box 15

House of Representatives resolve concerning committee to revise the laws, 29 Nov. 1780

Robert Treat Paine on committee.

With accompanying file on Temple.

Address to governor declining commission as a justice of the Supreme Court, 16 Feb. 1784 [draft]

Reel 18Box 15

House order to return papers to James Bowdoin, 7 June 1784

Reel 18Box 15

Senate order instructing report of committee to revise laws, 2 July 1784

Reel 18Box 15

Boston town vote establishing committee to review by-laws, 17 Aug. 1784

Committee: Robert Treat Paine, John Lowell, James Sullivan, Benjamin Hitchburne, and Ezekiel Price.

Petition: George Brock to governor, 2 Nov. 1786

Enclosed with George Brock to [Joseph Greenleaf?], Boston Jail, 2 Nov. 1786.

Reel 18Box 15

Petition: "Orina" to judges, attorney general, sheriff, and clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, 24 May 1787

With attached note from "Orina" to Daniel Shays, Luke Day, Adam Wheeler, and Ely Persons: "I approve, and greatfully accept the Service you have done to your country..."

Reel 18Box 15

Treasurer's report to the attorney general, Boston, 7 Aug. 1787

Reel 18Box 15

General Court order to committee to revise laws to prepare a bill, 18 June 1788

Reel 18Box 15

Petition: Robert Treat Paine to General Court, Jan. 1789 [draft]

On verso of dinner invitation from Thomas Brattle to Robert Treat Paine, 30 Oct. 1788.

Reel 18Box 15

General Court order to committee revising the laws to complete their business, 1 June 1791

Reel 18Box 15

Petition: Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court to General Court about living expenses, Feb. 1795 and Feb. 1797

Reel 18Box 15

Eulogy on death of George Washington, [Dec. 1799]

On verso of Dr. Warren's invitation to Robert Treat Paine, 5 Dec. 1799.

Reel 18Box 15

Robert Treat Paine on civil law, [1801?] [draft]

On verso of invitation to the Concert Hall, 17 Dec. 1801.

Reel 18Box 15

Report of committee on Robert Treat Paine's petition for recompense for his services as attorney general in 1783, concurred in House and Senate, 22 June 1803

Reel 18Box 15

Petition of Robert Treat Paine for further compensation for services as attorney general, Jan. 1804 [draft]

Reel 18Box 15

Conclusion of the report of Turner Thayer & Austin, a committee of the House (9 Feb. 1783), Mar. 1804

Reel 18Box 15

Petition of Robert Treat Paine for further compensation for services as attorney general, [Feb. 1805?]-28 May 1807

Reel 18Box 15

Statement on fee allowance relative to report of Cotton Tufts, 20 May 1805

VI. Newspapers, 1726-1808

Arranged chronologically.

This series consists of annotated newspaper clippings mounted in a scrapbook.

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 1

The London Gazette, 7 Mar. 1726

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 1

The Boston Weekly News-Letter, 25 Nov.-2 Dec. 1736

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 2

The Boston Evening-Post, 17 Aug. 1761

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 2

The Boston-Gazette and Country Journal, 9 Nov. 1767

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 3

The Boston-Gazette and Country Journal, 23 Nov. 1767

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 3

The Massachusetts Gazette and Boston Post-Boy and the Advertiser, 25 Feb. 1771

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 4

The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser (Boston), 16 Oct. 1777

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 4

[Fragment of Boston newspaper, Aug. 1764]

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 5

Broadsheet: Proceedings of his Majesty's Privy-Council on the Address of the Assembly of Massachusetts to remove his Governor and Lieutenant-Governor... [Boston, 1774]

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 6

The Connecticut Journal and the New-Haven Post-Boy, 2 Aug. 1775

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 6

The Pennsylvania Evening Post, 6 Apr. 1776

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 7

[Newspaper fragment, July 1776]

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 8

[Newspaper fragment, July 1776]

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 8

[Fragment of Boston Gazette, 28 July 1777]

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 9

The Continental Journal, and Weekly Advertiser, 28 Jan. 1779

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 9

The New-York Journal and the General Advertiser (Poughkeepsie), 8 Feb. 1779

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 10

Gazette de la Martinique, 22 July 1779

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 11

The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser (Boston), 26 July 1781 and 14 Dec. 1781

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 12

The Continental Journal, and Weekly Advertiser (Boston), 3 Jan. 1782

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 12

The Massachusetts Herald: Or, Worcester Journal, 13 Sep. 1783

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 13

The Independent Chronicle, and the Universal Advertiser, 11 Mar. 1784

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 14

The Massachusetts Centinel, 14 May 1785

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 14

Columbian Centinel, Extra, 12 May 1792

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 15

"Reflections on Monroe's view," by Scipio, no. 1-3, clippings from The Gazette of the United States & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 16

"Reflections on Monroe's view," by Scipio, no. 5-8, clippings from The Gazette of the United States & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 17

"Reflections on Monroe's view," by Scipio, no. 11-12, clippings from The Gazette of the United States & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 17

[Fragment] annotated "Mr. Jefferson's Letter to Mazzei republished 30 Dec. 1797"

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 18

[Fragment from Gazette of the United States & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser] annotated "Fenno...Remarks on the 4th Sepr. & the Fr. constiton. anr. piece on democracy," 5-6 Feb. 1798

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 19

Massachusetts Mercury (Boston) annotated "Ellsworths opinion on Br Debts N.C., 1795," 13 June 1797

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 20

The Virginia Gazette, &c. Extraordinary (Richmond, Va.), 27 Nov. 1798

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 21

The Virginia Gazette, and General Advertiser (Richmond, Va.), 27 Nov. 1798

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 22

[Fragment from Boston Gazette, 6 Nov. 1800]

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 22

[Unidentified fragment] annotated "plain case statut at Boston...abt. Election of presidt.," 24 Dec. 1800

Reel 19Oversize Box 2Page 23

Independent Chronicle (Boston), 4 Jan. 1808

VII. Maps, 1755-1805

This series contains manuscript maps by Robert Treat Paine of the expedition to Lake George in 1755, as well as lot plans of later pieces of Paine property.

Reel 19

Joseph Heath manuscript map of Sagadohock River from mouth to Fort George

Reel 19Oversize Box 3

Plan of Lake George, 13 Oct. 1755

Reel 19

Joseph Greenleaf to Thomas Paine, Boston, 16 Dec. 1754

Reel 1

Robert Treat Paine to Richard Cranch, allegorical, Boston, 25 Dec. 1754

With another, Boston, 13 Jan. 1755.

Joseph Cushing to Abel Willard, Boston, 12 Jan. 1756

Answers to legal questions by Robert Treat Paine on verso.

Robert Treat Paine to "Sally," Boston, 17 June 1757

Mock letter to a lady; letter from one sister to another; attached letter in code on reverse of note from Abia Holbrook, 1 May 1750.

Eunice Paine to Robert Treat Paine, Weymouth, 29 Jan. 1758

Reel 2

Shepard Fisk to Robert Treat Paine, Bridgewater, 1 Feb. 1758

Reel 2

Robert Treat Paine to Eunice Paine, Boston, 19 Feb. 1758

Reel 2

"Stella LipeSalve" to Robert Treat Paine, Mar. 1758

Response in code by Robert Treat Paine, Apr. 1758.

Enclosure: affidavit: Robert Shilston and Elijah Hayden "acnoledg to have Inlisted as Batoe men under Captn. Geo. Willmot in his Majsteys Service," 15 Apr. 1758.

Henry Quincy to Robert Treat Paine, Boston, 8 Sep. 1762

Attached to Henry Quincy to Robert Crosman, Boston, 8 Sep. 1762.

Robert Auchmuty to Robert Treat Paine, 18 Jan. 1765

With postscript by Henry Laughton.

Reel 2

Henry Marchant to Robert Treat Paine, Newport, R.I., 24 Dec. 1765

Encloses part of will of Francis Borland.

Francis Lewis to William Livingston, N.Y., 20 Mar. 1776

Enclosed in William Livingston to Robert Treat Paine, 27 Dec. 1776.

Reel 4

Abigail Paine Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, Taunton, 25 Mar. 1776

Reel 4

Joseph Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, Boston, 27 Mar. 1776

Reel 4

William Livingston to Robert Treat Paine, Elizabeth Town, N.J., 27 Dec. 1776

Encloses Francis Lewis to William Livingston, 20 Mar. 1776.

With enclosure.

On verso is same, Oct. 1776.

Daniel Joy to Robert Treat Paine, Warwick-Furnace, 24 Sep. 1776

Reel 4

Henry Knox to Robert Treat Paine, Mount Washington, 25 Sep. 1776

Reel 4

Sally Cobb Paine to Robert Treat Paine, Taunton, 26 Sep. 1776

Reel 4

Clement Biddle to Robert Treat Paine, Camp at Fort Constitution, 26 Sep. 1776

Reel 4

Robert Treat Paine to Samuel and Daniel Hughes, Antietam Furnace, Md., Oct. 1776

On verso of same, 24 Aug. 1776.

Samuel A. Otis to Robert Treat Paine, Boston, 28 Oct. 1776

Reel 4

Robert Treat Paine to James Byers, Philadelphia, 3 Nov. 1776

With same, 22 Nov. 1776.

With same, 7 Dec. 1776.

Reel 4

Robert Treat Paine to James Byers, Philadelphia, 22 Nov. 1776

With same, 3 Nov. 1776.

Enos Dean to Robert Treat Paine, Taunton, 1777

Reel 4

John Avery to Robert Treat Paine, Council Chamber, 2 Jan. 1777

Enclosure: committee report, 2 Jan. 1777.

With account.

Archibald Campbell to Robert Treat Paine, Concord, 18 Dec. 1777

Enclosures: Heman Allen to Col. Archibald Campbell, Salisbury, 31 Oct. 1777; Elias Boudinot to Heman Allen, Camp Pennsylvania, 30 Sep. 1777.

Reel 4

John Hinkley & Co. to Robert Treat Paine, Boston, 24 Dec. 1777

Reel 4

Abigail Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, [25] Dec. 1777

Reel 4

William Whipple to Robert Treat Paine, Portsmouth, 5 Jan. 1778

Undated Robert Treat Paine response on verso.

Enclosure: Charles Thomson, in Congress, 27 Mar. 1778, with resolve.

Reel 4

Robert Treat Paine to [?], Boston, 16 Feb. 1782

Reel 4

Robert Treat Paine to Theodore Sedgwick, Boston, 18 Feb. 1782

Reel 4

Nathaniel Freeman to Robert Treat Paine, Sandwich, 20 Mar. 1782

Reel 4

John Hancock to Robert Treat Paine, Boston, 21 Mar. 1782

Enclosure: John Hanson to Gov. John Hancock of Mass., Philadelphia, 1 Mar. 1782.

David Cobb to Robert Treat Paine, Headquarters, Newburgh, N.Y., 8 July 1782

Reel 4

Joseph Palmer to Robert Treat Paine, Germantown, 3 Dec. 1784

Reel 4

Roger Huntington to Robert Treat Paine, Windham, Conn., 13 Dec. 1784

Correspondence, 1785-1808

Reel 5

Joseph Palmer to Robert Treat Paine, Germantown, 7 Jan. 1785

Encloses "Extracts from Doctr. Brownrigg."

On verso: Robert Treat Paine's response, Boston, 13 Mar. 1786.

Reel 5

Nicholas Baylies to Robert Treat Paine, Taunton, 25 Feb. 1786

Reel 5

Seth Padelford to Robert Treat Paine. 27 Feb. 1786

Reel 5

Tristram Dalton to Robert Treat Paine, 1 Mar. 1786

Reel 5

Robert Treat Paine to Michael Hodge and Samuel Tufts, Boston, 13 Mar. 1786

On verso: Michael Hodge and Samuel Tufts to Robert Treat Paine, 18 Feb. 1786.

Thomas Brattle to Robert Treat Paine, [Cambridge], 30 Oct. 1788

On verso of Senate and House petition to Robert Treat Paine, Jan. 1789, in Series V. Robert Treat Paine political and judicial papers.

Enclosure: statement of case of estate of Samuel Gilbert, absentee.

On verso: Robert Treat Paine to James Williams, Boston, 9 Jan. 1805.

Reel 5

Robert Treat Paine to James Williams, Boston, 9 Jan. 1805

On verso of James Williams to Robert Treat Paine, Taunton, 10 Dec. 1804.

On verso: Robert Treat Paine to Dr. John Warren, 2 Mar. 1807, and Robert Treat Paine to James Sproat, 4 Mar. 1807.

Reel 5

Robert Treat Paine to Dr. John Warren, 2 Mar. 1807

Enclosure: extracts from docket for Court of Common Pleas for Lincoln Co.

Samuel Gilbert to Robert Treat Paine, Boston, 2 Dec. 1808

Reel 6

Robert Treat Paine to Joseph North, 2 May 1809 [rough draft and fair copy, "Respected Madam"]

Reel 6

Robert Treat Paine to Ann Quackenbos Greenleaf, Boston, 1 July 1809

On verso of Mrs. Ann Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, N.Y., 31 Mar. 1809.

On verso: Robert Treat Paine to Mrs. Ann Greenleaf, Boston, 16 Mar. 1810.

Reel 6

Harrison Gray Otis to Robert Treat Paine, [1810?]

On verso of testimony relating to Banister vs. Fenno, 1805-1815, in Series IV. Robert Treat Paine business, legal, and financial papers.

Reel 6

Robert Treat Paine to Robert T. Paine, Jr. (1773-1811), 24 Feb. 1810

Reel 6

Robert Treat Paine to Ann Quackenbos Greenleaf, Boston, 16 Mar. 1810

On verso of Mrs. Ann Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, N.Y., 28 Dec. 1809.

Reel 6

Ann Quackenbos Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, N.Y., 29 Mar. 1810

On verso: Robert Treat Paine to Mrs. Ann Greenleaf, Boston, 14 June 1810.

Reel 6

H. North to Robert Treat Paine, Augusta, Me., Apr. [1810]

Reel 6

Robert Treat Paine to Ann Quackenbos Greenleaf, Boston, 14 June 1810

On verso of Mrs. Ann Greenleaf to Robert Treat Paine, N.Y., 29 Mar. 1810.

Arnold Francis Welles to Charles C. Paine, Autumn 1830

On verso: diary notes by Charles C. Paine, 24 June-11 Oct. 1830.

Reel 6

Samuel Hurd Walley to Charles C. Paine, Washington, 1 Mar. 1854

Robert Treat Paine letterbook, 1756-1765

In some cases, this letterbook contains a notation that a letter was written, but no copy of the letter itself. These notations are not included in this list.

Preferred Citation

Robert Treat Paine papers, Massachusetts Historical Society.

Access Terms

This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.

Persons:

Bourne, Shearjashub, 1746-1806.

Cobb, David, 1748-1830.

Cranch, Richard, 1726-1811.

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814.

Hancock, John, 1737-1793.

Paine family.

Paine, Robert, 1770-1798.

Paine, Robert Treat, 1773-1811.

Paine, Robert Treat, 1803-1885.

Paine, Thomas, 1694-1757.

Palmer, Joseph, 1716-1788.

Organizations:

Massachusetts. Attorney General's Office.

Massachusetts. Supreme Judicial Court.

United States. Continental Congress (1774)

United States. Declaration of Independence.

Subjects:

Account books--1751-1814.

Astronomy--Observations.

Boston Massacre, 1770.

Crown Point Expedition, 1755.

Estates (Law)

Judges--Massachusetts.

Lawyers--Massachusetts.

Private libraries.

Massachusetts--Politics and government--1775-1865.

Merchant marine.

Ocean travel.

Sermons--1724-1733.

Sermons--1755.

Shays' Rebellion, 1786-1787.

Trials--Massachusetts.

United States--Politics and government--1775-1783.

Voyages and travels.

Whaling.

Prepared by Edward W. Hanson, 1991. Collection processed by Jessica Randolph and Edward W. Hanson. Microfilmed by Raymond C. Clark.

Revised Jan 2021

Encoded by Susan Martin, January 2007

COLLECTION GUIDES

Table of Contents

Robert Treat Paine Papers

1659-1916

Guide to the Microfilm Edition

Restrictions on Access

Collection Summary

Abstract

Biographical Sketches

Thomas Paine

Robert Treat Paine

Sources

Collection Description

Related Materials

Arrangement

Acquisition Information

Restrictions on Access

Other Formats

Detailed Description of the Collection

I. Family papers, 1659-1916

A. Family correspondence, 1713-1854

Guide to the Microfilm Edition

B. Legal and financial papers, 1659-1867

Deed: Allumps and Haquontuses to John Endicot, John Winthrop, and Amos Richardson for land at Quinibaug, 28 Apr. 1659

Deed: Robin Hood, alias Rawmegon, Terrumpquine, Wesomonascoe, Sagamores of Scawque, and Abumhamen tribes, sell to Thomas Webber land on the westerly side of the Kennebeck River [copy] and memorandum by Charles Cushing Paine, 29 May 1660

Receipt: To Bethiah Paine, Bethiah Paine, Jr., and Experience Hunt from Thomas Paine and Edmund Hawes, undated

Deed: Indian deed to Mr. Wharten, land in Maine, 7 July 1684 [copy]

Letters of administration to Abigail Estabrookes, widow of Rev. Benjamin Estabrookes, late of Cambridge, intestate, 2 Aug. 1697

Deed: Rev. Joseph Estabrook of Concord to Abigail Estabrook, 20 Aug. 1697

Deed: John Sunderland of Eastham to "my loving son" Samuel Treat, land in Boston, 30 Aug. 1700

Power of attorney: Samuel Treat of Eastham appoints wife Abigail Treat, 14 May 1707

Promissory note: [?] to Abigail Treat, 27 Jan. 1708

Memorandum: Extract of deed of Thomas Sturgis of Barnstable to James Paine, land in York County, Me.,15 Mar. 1709 [2 items]

Will: Extract of will and probate order on estate of Samuel Treat of Eastham, 6 Dec. 1716

Power of attorney: Ebenezer Lewis and James Paine, both of Barnstable, appoint Thomas Paine of Weymouth, Jan. 1720

Will: Thomas Paine of Truro, 6 Apr. 1720, proved 4 July 1721 [copy]

Letters of administration to Abigail Treat of Boston on estate of her son Richard Estabrook, late of Boston, brasier, 2 Oct. 1721

Deed: Elizabeth Paine of Truro grants to Jonathan and Barnabas Paine, both of Truro, all the lands in Truro belonging to her late husband Thomas Paine, 1 Oct. 1726, annotated with rental account through 1742

Accounts: Thomas Paine to Abigail Treat, 17 Oct. 1727-1 Dec. 1738

Account: Division of estate of James Payne, late of Barnstable, 1 June 1729

Account: Bethiah Paine, Bethiah Paine, Jr., Mary Hawes, Experience Hunt, and Thomas Paine on the estate of late James Paine, 28 Oct. 1729-1735

Inventory: Estate of James Paine of Barnstable and division among his heirs, Oct. 1729

Will: Abigail Treat of Boston, widow, dated 5 Dec. 1730

Memorandum: Between Edmund and Mary Hawes and the other heirs of James Paine, late of Barnstable, 28 Sep. 1734

Receipt: To Abigail Treat of Boston from Joshua Lassel of Windham, 28 Nov. 1734

Deed: Samuel Hunt of Weymouth to Josiah Hunt of Weymouth, land for the use and benefit of his wife Experience Hunt, 17 Oct. 1738

Memorandum: Of an action of Abigail Treat, Thomas Paine, and Eunice his wife in Court of Common Pleas, Boston, Feb. 1738

Legal form of a printed deed with annotated notes on legal procedure, undated

Land Bank papers, 1739-1749

Broadside: In order to Redress the distressing Circumstances which the Trade of this Province is under for want of a Medium; other Methods having failed, it is proposed to set up a Bank of Credit on Land Security..., Boston, Nov. 1739

Broadside: Proclamation by Gov. Jonathan Belcher against notes circulated by John Colman, 17 July 1740

Sheet: The Manufactory Scheme, extract from the Book of Records of the Manufactory Company, [4 Dec. 1740] [2 copies]

Broadside: Blank writ of attachment against those who "published and are still engaged and interested in a Scheme for supplying a pretended Want of a Medium in Trade, by setting up a Bank on Land Security," 1742

Broadsheet: Boston Evening-Post, listing partners in the Land Bank or Manufactory Scheme with "An Act in further Addition to and Explanation of the Act for the more speedy finishing of the Land Bank of Manufactory Scheme," 20 Aug. 1744

Sheet: Supplement to the Boston Gazette or Weekly Journal, no. 1242, listing outstanding bills of the Manufactory Company, [27 Dec. 1745]

Sheet: Supplement to the Boston Evening-Post, no. 543, listing outstanding bills of the Manufactory Company, [27 Dec. 1745]

Sheet: Supplement to the Boston Evening-Post, no. 707, listing assessment against partners in the Manufactory Scheme, 27 Feb. 1749 [4 copies]

Will of Abigail Treat of Boston, dated 5 Mar. 1740, proved 9 Feb. 1746 [rough draft and copy]

Answer to James Scott's proclamation about the mob, 1741

Will extracts of Abigail Treat of Boston, dated 9 Jan. 1746 "& Prov'd & alow'd 9th January followg"

Estate of Abigail Treat of Boston, appoints Eunice Paine as executrix, 9 Feb. 1746

Bond: Samuel Hunt and Josiah Hunt, both of Weymouth, and Benjamin Hunt of Braintree, to Edward Hutchinson, Judge of Probate, for permission to sell land for the benefit of Experience Hunt, 21 Feb. 1746 [copy]

Administration certificate: Thomas Paine of Boston appointed administrator of estate of Abigail Treat, late of Boston

Promissory note: Eliz. Delohand [Dolhonde] to Joseph Greenleaf, Boston, 13 July 1747

Receipt: Elizabeth Paine received from Jonathan Paine and Barnabas Paine "by the hand of" Thomas Paine, 31 Jan. 1754

Deed: Joseph Greenleaf sells to Eunice Paine "One Equal half part of a Certain Distill-house Lands and houses & Utensills" in Boston, co-signed by Abigail Paine Greenleaf, 23 Sep. 1754

Account: Joseph How's account with Eunice Paine, 24 Apr. 1755-18 Jan. 1760

Inventory: Estate of Samuel Hunt, late of Norton, 20 June 1755

Deed: Abraham Turtelot of Glocester, R.I., sells to Eunice Paine of Weymouth "a certain tract of parcell of Land Laying in Glocester aforsaid," 22 Nov. 1757

Deed: Eunice Paine of Braintree sells to Robert Treat Paine land in Cornwall and Kent, Conn., 16 May 1763

Commission: Micajah Sawyer appointed a justice of the peace for Essex County, signed by Thomas Hutchinson, 15 Jan. 1772

Account: Eunice Paine boarding with Dr. Thomas Phipps, 26 June 1790-11 June 1791

Account: Dr. Thomas Phipps for Eunice Paine's medications, 28 July 1790-18 Jan. 1792

Account: Charles Paine to John Brooks, 17 Sep. 1795-15 July 1798

Bills: Charles Paine to John S. Capt "for Tuition in the french language," 13 Oct. 1795-31 Mar. 1796

Receipts: Frederick Granger from Charles Paine, Boston, 8 July 1797, 13 Jan. [?]

Receipt: George Girdler Smith received from Henry Paine for part of the ship Borneo, 23 Oct. 1799

Agreement: Between Henry Paine, John Gibaut, and George Girdler Smith for Paine's services as masters' assistant on a voyage aboard the Borneo, Boston, 23 Oct. 1799

Receipted bill: Charles Paine to John Warren for medical attendance, Apr. 1800-1 Jan. 1802

Bill: Charles Paine to Rufus Farnam, 11 June 1800