Legal Papers of John Adams, volume 3
323
Chronology
Chronology
Chronology
324
325
Chronology
John Adams' Legal Career, 1756–1778
This listing includes a few events of general importance in John Adams' legal career, but it is primarily a chronology of his practice in the courts. Accordingly, each term of the Inferior and Superior Courts at which he is known to have been active is listed, with all available information as to the number of his cases there, whether tried to a conclusion or not. Since the sources are somewhat fragmentary, the information given is necessarily incomplete and varies in its accuracy from term to term. The number of Adams' cases at each term variously appears as (1) the number of writs drawn by him; (2) the number of writs served; (3) the number of entries (cases which he entered on the court's docket); or (4) the number of actions (cases in which he was engaged as counsel at any stage). Adams' appearances in other courts of the Province have ordinarily been listed only when they occurred in cases printed in the present edition.
The title of each Superior Court action which he is known to have argued to the court or tried to a jury appears under the term at which it was argued or tried, with his client's name printed in italics and the result indicated. All cases in which a discontinuance or default was entered are included in this listing, because these procedural steps often concealed the argument and decision of a legal question. A few important cases from other courts have also been listed in this fashion. Those cases printed in the Legal Papers (Nos. 1–64) are listed in capital letters under the courts to which each document printed in those cases has been attributed, again with Adams' clients' names italicized. Primary sources for the chronology include the
Diary and Autobiography of John Adams,
vols. 1–4; the
Adams Family Correspondence
, vols. 1–2; minute books and files of the several courts; and Adams' docket lists, Office Book, and other office documents in the Adams Papers. (The reader should, of course, realize that the court terms, although designated by months—e.g., “March Term”—were not always chronologically coterminous with the month in question. Thus, cases in the March Term might be heard in April, or even later.)
| 1756 | August | Signs contract to read law with James Putnam of Worcester for two years. | ||
| 326 | ||||
| 1758 | October | Returns from Worcester to live at Braintree. | ||
| 1758 | November | Suffolk Inferior Court. | Admitted to practice. | |
| 1758 | December | Coram Josiah Quincy, justice of the peace. |
Field v. Lambert (his first writ is abated). |
|
| 1759 | Keeps Commonplace Book (Vol. 1:4–25). | |||
| 1759 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 2 writs drawn). |
Field v. Thayer (his first Inferior Court entry; “nonsuit, no defendant”). |
|
| 1760 | Drafts essays on appointment of new chief justice and evils of licensed houses. Attacks “pettyfoggers” (unauthorized practitioners of law). | |||
| 1760 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 3 writs drawn). | ||
| 1760 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 9 writs drawn). | ||
| 1760 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 7 writs drawn). | ||
| 1761 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 10 writs drawn and one defendant's action; 8 entries for the year). | ||
| 1761 | February | Suffolk Superior Court. |
Lambard v. Tirrell (first Superior Court action; complaint for affirmation). |
|
| 1761 | February | Suffolk Superior Court. | Petition of Lechmere, No. 44, Doc. I (takes minutes of James Otis' argument against writs of assistance). | |
| 327 | ||||
| 1761 | March | Involved in Braintree highway problems. | ||
| 1761 | April | Drafts “abstract” of writs of assistance arguments (see No. 44, Doc. II). | ||
| 1761 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 2 writs drawn). | ||
| 1761 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 7 writs drawn). | ||
| 1761 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 9 writs drawn). | ||
| 1761 | November | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment). | Admitted as an attorney. | |
| 1762 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 18 writs drawn; 36 entries for the year). | ||
| 1762 | March | Begins serving on committees for the sale of town lands. | ||
| 1762 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 9 writs drawn). | ||
| 1762 | June | Bristol Inferior Court (his first known term of court outside Suffolk County). | ||
| 1762 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (40 writs drawn). | ||
| 1762 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 1 action). | Called as a barrister. | |
| 1762 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 21 writs drawn). | ||
| 1763 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (36 actions; 79 entries for the year). | ||
| 1763 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | ||
| 328 | ||||
| 1763 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 11 writs drawn). | ||
| 1763 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 14 writs drawn). | ||
| 1763 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | ||
| 1763 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 19 writs drawn). | ||
| 1764 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (40 writs drawn; 21 entries; 43 entries for the year). | ||
| 1764 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Alden v. Nightingale (chancery for Alden). |
|
| 1764 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 24 writs served). | ||
| 1764 | April | Plymouth Inferior Court (at least 1 action). | ||
| 1764 | June | Bristol Inferior Court (4 actions). | ||
| 1764 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 25 writs served). | ||
| 1764 | July | Plymouth Inferior Court (13 actions). | ||
| 1764 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 1 action). | Daniels v. Smith (plea in abatement for Smith). |
|
| 1764 | September | Bristol Inferior Court (5 actions). | ||
| 1764 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 20 writs served). | ||
| 1764 | October | Plymouth Inferior Court (11 actions). | ||
| 1764 | October | Bristol Superior Court (3 actions). |
Wheat v. Witherel (jury for Witherel). |
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| 1764 | October | Bristol Superior Court (3 actions). | Harvey v. Brittan (reffered to JA and two others). | |
| 1764 | December | Bristol Inferior Court (3 actions). | ||
| 329 | ||||
| 1765 | January | Joins Jeremiah Gridley's “sodality,” a small group meeting in Boston for the study of legal history and theory. | ||
| 1765 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 34 writs served; 73 entries for the year). | ||
| 1765 | January | Plymouth Inferior Court (10 actions). | ||
| 1765 | March | Elected surveyor of highways in Braintree. | ||
| 1765 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | ||
| 1765 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Ingersole v. Viscount (referred to JA and two other lawyers). | |
| 1765 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Bacon v. Hall (jury for Hall). |
|
| 1765 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Flagg v. Ritchie (jury for Ritchie). |
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| 1765 | April | Plymouth Inferior Court (9 actions). | ||
| 1765 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 31 writs served). | ||
| 1765 | May | Bristol Inferior Court (3 actions). | ||
| 1765 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (1 action). | ||
| 1765 | June | Pownalborough Inferior Court | First trip into Maine. | |
| 1765 | July | Plymouth Inferior Court (8 actions). | ||
| 1765 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 39 writs served). | ||
| 1765 | August | Bristol Inferior Court (8 actions). | ||
| 1765 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (8 actions). | Johnson v. Hewes (jury for Johnson). |
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| 1765 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (8 actions). | Hale v. Hurd (jury for Hurd). |
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| 1765 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (8 actions). | Hale v. Ivers (jury for Ivers). |
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| 1765 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (8 actions). |
Adams v. Ingraham (jury for Ingraham). |
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| 1765 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (8 actions). | Richards v. Tyler (Tyler discontinues). |
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| 1765 | August | Reference from Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court. At Martha's Vineyard. |
BASSETT v. MAYHEW, No. 1, Docs. I, II (report for Mayhew et al.). |
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| 1765 | August–October | Publishes “A Dissertation on the Canon and Feudal Law” (a paper earlier prepared for the “sodality”) in three installments in the Boston Gazette. |
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| 330 | ||||
| 1765 | September | Composes the Braintree Instructions, denouncing the Stamp Act. | ||
| 1765 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 30 writs served). | ||
| 1765 | October | Plymouth Inferior Court (10 actions). | ||
| 1765 | October | Bristol Superior Court (2 actions). | ||
| 1765 | December | Argues for Boston before the Governor and Council that the courts be reopened without stamped paper. | ||
| 1766 | January | Publishes “Clarendon” letters in the Boston Gazette asserting American rights under the British Constitution. |
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| 1766 | March | Elected a Braintree selectman. | ||
| 1766 | April | Plymouth Inferior Court (10 actions). |
WADSWORTH v. LORING, No. 34, Doc. I (jury for Wadsworth; appeal). |
|
| 1766 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 22 writs served; 22 actions; 62 entries for the year). | ||
| 1766 | May | Bristol Inferior Court (3 actions). | ||
| 1766 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (11 actions). | Belcher v. Hunt (jury for Hunt). |
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| 1766 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (11 actions). | Jones v. Barker (jury for Jones). |
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| 1766 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (11 actions). | Robins v. Turner (Robins nonsuited). |
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| 1766 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (11 actions). | Brayton v. Gardner (Brayton discontinues). |
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| 1766 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (11 actions). | Prince v. Cushing (jury for Cushing). |
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| 1766 | June | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment; at least 6 actions). | ||
| 1766 | June | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment; at least 6 actions). |
Hewes v. Johnson (jury for Johnson). |
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| 1766 | June | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment; at least 6 actions). |
Brattle v. Murray (jury for Brattle). |
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| 1766 | June | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment; at least 6 actions). |
Curtis v. Randall (Randall defaults). |
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| 1766 | July | Plymouth Inferior Court (8 actions). | ||
| 1766 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 16 writs served). | ||
| 1766 | August | Bristol Inferior Court (4 actions). | ||
| 331 | ||||
| 1766 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (13 actions). | Peck v. Prat (jury for Prat). |
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| 1766 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (13 actions). |
ROXBUKY v. BOSTON, No. 24 (appeal dismissed). |
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| 1766 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (13 actions). |
Rutland Proprietors v. Minot (jury for Minot). |
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| 1766 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (13 actions). | Pynchon v. Brewster (jury for Pynchon). |
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| 1766 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (13 actions). | ALCOCK v. WARDEN, No. 8 (takes minutes). | |
| 1766 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (13 actions). | PROUT v. MINOT, No. 13, Doc. II (takes minutes). | |
| 1766 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 5 writs drawn). | ||
| 1766 | October | Plymouth Inferior Court (11 actions). | PLYMPTON v. MIDDLEBORO, No. 25, Docs. I, II (judgment for Middleboro). |
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| 1766 | October | Bristol Superior Court (3 actions). |
Stetson v. Davis (jury for Davis). |
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| 1766 | November | Essex Superior Court | SLEW v. WHIPPLE, No. 38, Docs. I, II (takes minutes). | |
| 1766 | December | Plymouth Inferior Court (5 actions). | ||
| 1767 | January |
Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 17 writs drawn; 59 entries for the year). |
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| 1767 | March | Suffolk Inferior Court (7 actions). |
Harding v. Davis (Harding discontinues). |
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| 1767 | March | Suffolk Inferior Court (7 actions). | Kellock v. Morse (jury for Morse). |
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| 1767 | April | Barnstable Inferior Court (25 actions). | COTTON v. NYE, No. 3, Docs. II , III (jury for Cotton; appeal). |
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| 1767 | April | Plymouth Inferior Court (2 actions). | ||
| 1767 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 8 writs drawn). | ||
| 1767 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (4 actions). | COTTON v. NYE, No. 3, Docs. IV, V, VI (jury for Cotton; motion in arrest of judgment). |
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| 1767 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). |
Morse v. Rochester (jury for Morse). |
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| 1767 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). | Woodworth v. Haden (jury for Woodworth). |
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| 1767 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). |
Latham v. Turner (Turner defaults). |
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| 1767 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). | Scot v. Bridgham (jury for Scot). |
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| 1767 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). | Hickling v. Bridgham (jury for Bridgham). |
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| 1767 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). |
Barker v. Jones (jury for Barker). |
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| 332 | ||||
| 1767 | July | Plymouth Inferior Court (13 actions). | ||
| 1767 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 14 writs drawn). | ||
| 1767 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (27 actions). |
R. Gibbs v. H. Gibbs (jury for H. Gibbs). |
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| 1767 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (27 actions). |
Lamson v. Butter (jury for Lamson). |
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| 1767 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (27 actions). | Nightingale v. Curtis (jury for Nightingale). |
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| 1767 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (27 actions). |
Gray v. Cotton (special verdict; continued). |
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| 1767 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (27 actions). | Smith v. Noble (jury for Noble). |
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| 1767 | September | Bristol Inferior Court (11 actions). | ||
| 1767 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Brown v. Tyler (jury for Brown). |
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| 1767 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Ward v. Draper (Ward discontinues). |
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| 1767 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Green v. Murray (jury for Green). |
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| 1767 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
King v. Gardiner (jury for Gardiner). |
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| 1767 | September | Barnstable Inferior Court (2 actions). | ||
| 1767 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 10 writs drawn). | ||
| 1767 | October | Plymouth Inferior Court (14 actions). | ||
| 1767 | October | Bristol Superior Court (8 actions). | Hodges v. Gilmore (jury for Hodges). |
|
| 1767 | October | Bristol Superior Court (8 actions). |
Pratt v. Miller (jury for Pratt). |
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| 1767 | October | Bristol Superior Court (8 actions). |
Reed v. Jones (writ abated). |
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| 1767 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (1 action). |
Natick v. Winn (jury for Winn). |
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| 1767 | November | Middlesex Inferior Court (12 actions). | ||
| 1767 | December | Barnstable Inferior Court (6 actions). | WINSLOW v. CLARK, No. 35, Doc. II (jury for Clark). |
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| 1767 | December | Plymouth Inferior Court (16 actions). | ||
| 1768 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 18 writs drawn; 77 entries for the year). | ||
| 1768 | January | Vice Admiralty Court. |
DOANE v. GAGE, No. 43, Docs. I, III, IV (his first known case in Admiralty). |
|
| 333 | ||||
| 1768 | February | Supreme Court of Probate. | CLAP'S WILL, No. 15 (represents Samuel Clap et al.; decree for Samuel Clap et al.). | |
| 1768 | March | Declines to stand again for Braintree selectman. | ||
| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). | Apthorp v. Price (jury for Apthorp). |
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| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). |
Richmond v. Davis (judgment for Davis). |
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| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). | Gay v. Simpson (jury for Gay). |
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| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). | Nightingale v. Curtis (jury for Curtis). |
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| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). | French v. Bagley (jury for French). |
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| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). | Belcher v. Capen (jury for Capen). |
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| 1768 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (17 actions). | APTHORP v. GARDINER, No. 9, Doc. IV (takes minutes). | |
| 1768 | March | Middlesex Inferior Court (21 actions). | DOUGHERTY v. LITTLE, No. 23 (jury for Dougherty; appeal). |
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| 1768 | March | Middlesex Inferior Court (21 actions). | PIERCE v. WRIGHT, No. 36, Doc. II (verdict for Pierce; appeal). |
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| 1768 | March | Vice Admiralty Court. |
FOLGER v. THE CORNELIA, No. 45, Docs. I–III (decree for Hallowell et al.). |
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| 1768 | April | Moves to the “White House” in Brattle Square, Boston. | ||
| 1768 | April | Plymouth Inferior Court (23 actions). | ||
| 1768 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 9 writs drawn). | ||
| 1768 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (11 actions). |
Lovell v. Hamblin (jury for Lovell). |
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| 1768 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (11 actions). |
Tilden v. Bigford (jury for Tilden). |
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| 1768 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (11 actions). | Tilton v. Hilman (jury for Hilman). |
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| 1768 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (11 actions). |
Baker v. Crocker (jury for Baker). |
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| 1768 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (11 actions). | Price v. Cathcart (jury for Cathcart). |
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| 1768 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). | Belcher v. Hunt (jury for Belcher). |
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| 1768 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). | Hooper v. Keith (Hooper nonsuited; confesses judgment). |
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| 1768 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). | Sears v. Davis (jury for Davis). |
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| 1768 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (16 actions). |
ESSANE v. DOTEY, No. 28, Docs. III, IV (judgment for Essane). |
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| 1768 | May | Middlesex Inferior Court. | MARGARET v. MUZZY, No. 40 (writ filed by Jonathan Sewall). |
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| 1768 | June | Writes Instructions to the Boston representatives to the General Court protesting seizure of John Hancock's sloop Liberty. |
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| 1768 | July | Plymouth Inferior Court (5 actions). | KEEN v. TURNER, No. 14, Doc. I (jury for Turner; appeal). |
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| 1768 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (50 actions). | ||
| 334 | ||||
| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). |
Cotton v. Mollineux (jury for Cotton). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). | Hyslop v. Welch (jury for Hyslop). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). | Tyler v. Story (jury for Tyler). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). | Kingsbury v. Needham (jury for Kingsbury). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). |
Quincy v. Glidden (jury for Quincy). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). |
Bourn v. Sweetzer (Sweetzer defaults). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). | Paxton v. Story (Story defaults; continued). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). | Greenough v. Welch (Welch defaults). |
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| 1768 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (40 actions). | Mollineux v. Cotton (Cotton defaults). |
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| 1768 | September | Middlesex Inferior Court (12 actions). | GAGE v. HEADLEY, No. 29 (result unknown). |
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| 1768 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Baldwin, appellant at the King's suit (jury for Baldwin). |
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| 1768 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Temple v. How (jury for How). |
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| 1768 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Jordan v. McIntire (jury for McIntire). |
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| 1768 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Jennison v. Stone (jury for Jennison). |
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| 1768 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Rex v. Quinn (assigned as counsel; Quinn acquitted of rape and remanded for trial on attempted rape). |
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| 1768 | September | Hampshire and Berkshire Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | NEWPORT v. BILLING, No. 39 (jury for Billing). |
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| 1768 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (27 actions). | ||
| 1768 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
Pope v. Church (jury for Church). |
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| 1768 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Hill v. White (3 actions; Hill nonsuited). |
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| 1768 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Hathaway v. Strange (special verdict; continued). |
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| 1768 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | McWharter v. Ingersoll (jury for Ingersoll). |
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| 1768 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Whitney v. Prat (chancery for Whitney; 1d). |
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| 1768 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Wesson v. Brewer (jury for Brewer). |
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| 1768 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Vassall v. Billings (jury for Vassall). |
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| 1768 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Pierce v. Wright (jury for Pierce; motion in arrest of judgment; see No. 36). |
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| 1768 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Sampson v. Sheaf (jury for Sampson). |
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| 1768 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Peele v. Allen (jury for Allen). |
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| 1768 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Stacey v. Malcom (jury for Stacey). |
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| 1768 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Stacey v. Vernon (jury for Stacey). |
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| 1768 | November | Suffolk Court of General Sessions. | BROOKLINE v. ROXBURY, No. 27, Docs. I–IV (judgment for Brookline). | |
| 335 | ||||
| 1768 | November | Vice Admiralty Court. | SEWALL v. HANCOCK, No. 46 (libel filed). |
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| 1768 | November | Vice Admiralty Court. | DOWSE v. 33 HOGSHEADS, No. 47 (decree of forfeiture). |
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| 1768 | November | Vice Admiralty Court. | SHEAFFE v. THE TRITON, No. 48 (takes minutes). | |
| 1768 | December | Vice Admiralty Court. | DOWSE v. 19 HOGSHEADS, No. 49 (makes notes). | |
| 1768 | December | Essex Inferior Court. | Bancroft v. Lee (judgment for Lee; appeal; see No. 10). |
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| 1769 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (58 actions). | ||
| 1769 | Spring | Moves to Cold (or Cole) Lane, Boston. |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
GILL v. MEIN, No. 5 (jury for Gill; motion for new trial). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). | Gardiner v. North (jury for North). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Dorchester Inhabitants v. Randall (jury for Dorchester). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Pemberton v. Sparhawk (jury for Sparhawk). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Miller v. Vose (Vose defaults; two actions). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
McCarrell v. Renton (Renton defaults). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Lewis v. Jones (jury for Jones). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Needham v. Kingsbury (jury for Needham). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). | Elmes v. Cudworth (jury for Cudworth). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Johnson v. Leadbetter (jury for Johnson). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). | Gordon v. Stanley (jury for Stanley). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Hancock v. Cutler (jury for Hancock). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). |
Anthony v. Strong (jury for Strong; verdict set aside by agreement; continued). |
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| 1769 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 37 actions). | Petition of Savil (granted). |
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| 1769 | March | Vice Admiralty Court. | SEWALL v. HANCOCK, No. 46 (prosecution dropped). |
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| 1769 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Pierce v. Wright (judgment for Pierce in accordance with verdict; see No. 36). |
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| 1769 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Boardman v. Inhabitants of Charlestown (jury for Charlestown). |
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| 1769 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Perry v. Cary (jury for Cary). |
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| 1769 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (72 actions). | ||
| 1769 | April | Suffolk Court of General Sessions. |
CHELSEA v. BOSTON, No. 26 (petition filed). |
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| 336 | ||||
| 1769 | May | Writes Instructions for the Boston representatives to the General Court protesting the presence of British troops and the growing power of Admiralty courts. | ||
| 1769 | May | Worcester Inferior Court. | GREEN v. WASHBURN, No. 37 (jury for Green). |
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| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). |
Jackson v. Brewster (jury for Brewster). |
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| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). |
White v. Winsor (jury for Winsor). |
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| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). | Northey v. Cashing (jury for Cushing). |
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| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). | KEEN v. TURNER, No. 14, Doc. II (jury for Turner). |
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| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). | CLAP v. RANDALL, No. 16 (jury for Randall). |
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| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). |
Bradford v. Foster (jury for Foster). |
|
| 1769 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 14 actions). | Latham, appellant at the suit of the King (guilty of an assault only). |
|
| 1769 | May | Vice Admiralty Court. |
SURVEYOR GENERAL v. LOGS, No. 54 (decree of forfeiture). |
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| 1769 | May | Vice Admiralty Court. | Enters 20 in personam actions under White Pine Acts between May and September. |
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| 1769 | May | Special Court of Admiralty for the Trial of Piracies. | REX v. CORBET, No. 56, Docs. I–IV (pleas to the jurisdiction entered; adjourned until June). |
|
| 1769 | May | Suffolk Court of General Sessions. | REX v. MOISE AND READER, No. 61 (takes minutes). | |
| 1769 | June | Special Court of Admiralty. | REX v. CORBET, No. 56, Docs. V, VI (defendants acquitted). |
|
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | ||
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Bartlett v. White (jury for Bartlett). |
|
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | BANCROFT v. LEE, No. 10, Doc. I (jury for Bancroft; review). |
|
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Malcom v. Stacey; Vernon v. Stacey (referred to JA and three other lawyers). |
|
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Bayley v. Swasey (jury for Swasey). |
|
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Follansbee v. Pearson (jury for Follansbee). |
|
| 1769 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Thurston v. Pingry (jury for Thurston; see No. 31). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Hutchins v. Boynton (jury for Hutchins). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Gardiner v. Tyng (jury for Gardiner). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Gardiner v. Carlton (jury for Gardiner). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Gardiner v. Loring (Gardiner discontinues). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Philbrook v. Tyng (Tyng discontinues). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Bowdoin v. Springer (jury for Bowdoin). |
|
| 1769 | June | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Kennebec Proprietors v. Lovejoy (Proprietors discontinue). |
|
| 1769 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (76 actions). | ||
| 1769 | July | Vice Admiralty Court. |
BUTLER v. THE UNION, No. 50 (libel dismissed). |
|
| 337 | ||||
| 1769 | August | Takes Jonathan Williams Austin and William Tudor into his office as law clerks. | ||
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Warren v. Green (jury for Warren). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Halden v. Bracket (jury for Bracket). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Sigourney v. Russell (jury for Sigourney). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
White v. Ward (jury for White). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Russell v. Sigourney (Russell nonsuited). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Gill v. Mein (motion for new trial withdrawn; judgment according to verdict; see No. 5). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). | Godfrey v. Macomber (writ of error; affirmed). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Anthony v. Strong (jury for Anthony). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Russell v. Dupee (jury for Dupee). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Hickling v. Holland (jury for Holland). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Warren v. Gardiner (jury for Warren). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). |
Gardiner v. Roberts (Roberts defaults). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). | McLane v. Allen (jury for McLane). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). | Elmes v. Cudworth (Elmes discontinues). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). | Randall v. Dorchester Proprietors (Randall nonsuited). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). | Hake v. Barret (jury for Barret). |
|
| 1769 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (63 actions). | W. Torrey v. J. Torrey (directed verdict for J. Torrey). |
|
| 1769 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (85 actions). | ||
| 1769 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | ||
| 1769 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Brooks v. Northe Yarmouth (jury for Brooks). |
|
| 1769 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Cutler v. Jones (jury for Jones). |
|
| 1769 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Neal v. Bowes (jury for Neal). |
|
| 1769 | October | Vice Admiralty Court Arbitration. |
DOANE v. GAGE, No. 43, Doc. II (result unknown). |
|
| 1769 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
LEE v. CROWNINGSHIELD, No. 11 (jury for Lee). |
|
| 1769 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Sutton v. Dole (jury for Dole). |
|
| 1769 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Rex v. Eames (defendants acquitted). |
|
| 1769 | December | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment). | REX v. ROSS, No. 60 (takes minutes). | |
| 1770 | January |
Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 27 writs drawn; 94 entries for the year). |
||
| 338 | ||||
| 1770 | February 22 | Shooting of Seider boy by Ebenezer Richardson (see No. 59). | ||
| 1770 | March 5 | The Boston Massacre. | ||
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Wingfield v. Bryant (jury for Bryant). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Hurst v. Blanchard (2 actions; jury for Hurst). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Fisher v. Ames (jury for Ames). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
Williams v. Ainsley (jury for Williams). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Inches v. Langdon (jury for Inches). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
Loring v. Stewart (2 actions; jury for Loring). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
Anderson v. Clark (jury for Anderson). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
Winship v. Corthell (jury for Corthell). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
L. Tyler v. A. Tyler (jury for L. Tyler). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Hirons v. Cudworth (jury for Hirons). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Dupee v. Needham (jury for Dupee). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Dupee et al. v. Needham (jury for Needham). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
Russell v. Dupee (Russell discontinues). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | Rogers v. Green (jury for Green). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). |
Greenlaw v. Lawrence (jury for Lawrence). |
|
| 1770 | March | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 43 actions). | REX v. PRESTON, No. 63, Doc. I (Preston and Wemms et al., No. 64, indicted). |
|
| 1770 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Little v. Ivory (jury for Ivory). |
|
| 1770 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (66 writs drawn; 15 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1770 | April | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment). | REX v. RICHARDSON, No. 59, Docs. I, II (trial; verdict of guilty; adjournment for sentencing). | |
| 1770 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (at least 1 action). | Thomas v. Fuller (jury for Fuller). |
|
| 1770 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
M. Keene v. L. Keene (jury for L. Keene). |
|
| 1770 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Gardner v. Dunbar (jury for Dunbar). |
|
| 1770 | June | Elected a representative to the General Court from Boston. | ||
| 1770 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Ober v. Ellis (jury for Ellis). |
|
| 1770 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Lee v. Goodhue (jury for Goodhue). |
|
| 1770 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | S. Kent v. J. Kent (jury for J. Kent). |
|
| 339 | ||||
| 1770 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 11 actions). |
Falmouth v. Wiswall (2 actions; Falmouth discontinues). |
|
| 1770 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 11 actions). |
Bowdoin v. Branch (jury for Bowdoin). |
|
| 1770 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 11 actions). |
Bailey v. Bodkin (jury for Bailey). |
|
| 1770 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 11 actions). | Jones v. Cook (jury for Jones). |
|
| 1770 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 11 actions). |
Kennebec Proprietors v. Lovejoy (jury for Lovejoy). |
|
| 1770 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (at least 26 writs drawn). | ||
| 1770 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (91 actions). |
Keen v. Turner (jury for Turner). |
|
| 1770 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (91 actions). |
White v. Weymouth Inhabitants (jury for Weymouth). |
|
| 1770 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (91 actions). |
Robbins v. Boies (chancery for Boies; 1d.; no costs). |
|
| 1770 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (91 actions). |
Winslow v. Man (Man defaults). |
|
| 1770 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (91 actions). | Bracket v. Gridley (jury for Bracket). |
|
| 1770 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (91 actions). | Barber v. Annable (Annable defaults). |
|
| 1770 | September | Suffolk Superior Court. | REX v. RICHARDSON, No. 59, Doc. III (motion for new trial heard). | |
| 1770 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (42 writs drawn; 6 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1770 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Hallowell v. Austin (Austin discontinues). |
|
| 1770 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Smith v. Fish (jury for Smith). |
|
| 1770 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Richmond v. Walker (Richmond discontinues). |
|
| 1770 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Smith v. Shearman (Shearman discontinues). |
|
| 1770 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Hathaway v. Strange (judgment for Strange on special verdict). |
|
| 1770 | October | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment). | REX v. PRESTON, No. 63, Docs. II–XIV (Preston acquitted). |
|
| 1770 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 3 actions). |
Muzzy v. Margaret (jury for Margaret; see No. 40). |
|
| 1770 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 3 actions). |
Proctor v. Conant (jury for Conant). |
|
| 1770 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Lee v. Bancroft (withdrawn from the jury; see No. 10). |
|
| 1770 | November | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment). | REX v. WEMMS, No. 64, Docs. I–XXV (six defendants acquitted; two, guilty of manslaughter, plead benefit of clergy). |
|
| 1770 | December | Moved this year to “another House in Brattle Square.” | ||
| 340 | ||||
| 1771 | January | Begins to keep PLEADINGS BOOK (Vol. 1:26–86). | ||
| 1771 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (62 writs drawn; 63 actions). |
LONGMAN v. MEIN, No. 12, Doc. II (2 actions; Mein loses both). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Warren v. Apthorp (3 actions; jury for Warren). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Bowker v. Willson (Willson defaults). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). | Lloyd v. Monroe (jury for Monroe). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Cudworth v. Hirons (jury for Hirons). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Cooper v. Williams (jury for Cooper). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Lemasne v. Dennie (Lemasne nonsuited). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Hayley v. Allen (Allen defaults). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Warren v. Swift (Swift discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Winship v. Corthell (Winship nonsuited). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). | Blanchard v. Leonard (jury for Blanchard). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). | Fisher v. Ames (jury for Ames). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Taylor v. Perry (jury for Taylor). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Gray v. Proctor (jury for Gray). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Redman v. McKendry (jury for Redman). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). | J. Prout v. T. Prout (T. Prout discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Keen v. Spear (jury for Keen; continued for judgment). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
Gridley v. Bracket (jury for Gridley). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). |
J. Reed v. Henshaw (jury for Henshaw). |
|
| 1771 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 57 actions). | D. Reed v. Henshaw (jury for Henshaw). |
|
| 1771 | April | Moves back to Braintree, retaining office in Queen (now Court) Street, Boston. | ||
| 1771 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | JOSSELYNE v. HARRINGTON, No. 30, Doc. III (apparently represented Josselyne; judgment for Josselyne). | |
| 1771 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (80 writs drawn; 9 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1771 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Rice v. Bigelow (jury for Rice). |
|
| 1771 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Pierpont v. Cutler (withdrawn from jury; continued). |
|
| 1771 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
How v. Beaman (jury for Beaman; 1d.). |
|
| 1771 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Sutton Inhabitants v. Hall (tried in part and continued). |
|
| 1771 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Hayden v. Curtis (jury for Curtis). |
|
| 1771 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Watson v. Caesar (jury for Caesar). |
|
| 1771 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Sears v. Watson (jury for Sears). |
|
| 1771 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Haward v. Shurtlif (Shurtlif discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
BURNAM v. MUGFORD, No. 4 (jury for Mugford). |
|
| 341 | ||||
| 1771 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
Elwell v. Fletcher (jury for Elwell). |
|
| 1771 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
Sawyer v. McNeil (jury for McNeil). |
|
| 1771 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | LEE v. BANCROFT, No. 10, Doc. II (tried in part and continued). | |
| 1771 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
SMITH v. FULLER, No. 21, Doc. III (tried in part; juror withdrawn; continued). |
|
| 1771 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Child v. Freeman (jury for Freeman). |
|
| 1771 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | J. Tyng v. Gardiner (jury find specially). |
|
| 1771 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Tuck v. Morrill (jury for Tuck). |
|
| 1771 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Gardiner v. Thompson (jury for Gardiner). |
|
| 1771 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Philpot v. Cushing (Philpot discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (58 writs drawn; 70 actions). | GRAY v. PITTS, No. 6, Doc. I (jury for Gray; appeal). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Ruggles v. Doane (Ruggles discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Pemberton v. Sparhawk (jury for Pemberton). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Curtis v. Hayward (jury for Curtis). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). | Ainsley v. Williams (jury for Ainsley). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Longman v. Mein (jury for Longman; see No. 12). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). | Mein v. Wright & Gill (jury for Wright & Gill; see No. 12). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Henshaw v. Jackson (jury for Jackson). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Henshaw v. Wendell (jury for Wendell). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Langdon v. Barber (jury for Barber). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Palmes v. Greenleaf (jury for Greenleaf). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). |
Dennie v. Reeves (Dennie discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). | Elmes v. Cudworth (jury for Elmes). |
|
| 1771 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 47 actions). | Story v. Scollay (chancery for Story). |
|
| 1771 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (35 writs drawn; 60 actions). | ||
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). | Foreman v. Bollan (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). |
King v. Morey (jury for King). |
|
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). | Bowers v. White (jury for Bowers). |
|
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). |
Presbury v. Baker (Presbury discontinues). |
|
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). | Wilbore v. Slade (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). | Gardiner v. Wheeler (jury for Gardiner). |
|
| 1771 | October | Bristol Superior Court (37 actions). |
Rex v. Mason (Mason acquitted). |
|
| 1771 | October | Governor and Council Sitting in Divorce. |
A. BROADSTREET v. J. BROADSTREET, No. 22 (A. Broadstreet granted decree of divorce from bed and board). |
|
| 1771 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Symes v. Hill (jury for Symes). |
|
| 1771 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Proprietors of Stow v. Russell (Proprietors discontinue). |
|
| 342 | ||||
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). |
Harraden v. Gridley (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). |
Smith v. Fuller (jury for Smith; see No. 21). |
|
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). | PATCH v. HERRICK, No. 32 (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). | PINGRY v. THURSTON, No. 31 (jury for Thurston). |
|
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). |
Danvers v. Putnam (jury for Putnam). |
|
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). | Brown v. Verry (jury for Verry). |
|
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). | LEE v. BANCROFT, No. 10, Doc. III (tried in part and continued). | |
| 1771 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 10 actions). | CAESAR v. TAYLOR, No. 41, Docs. II–IV (tried in part and continued). |
|
| 1771 | December | Suffolk Superior Court (adjournment). | GRAY v. PITTS, No. 6, Doc. II (jury for Gray). |
|
| 1772 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (60 writs drawn; 68 actions). | ||
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Warren v. Freeman (jury for Freeman). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). | Paine v. Stevens (jury for Paine). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Bannister v. Copley (jury for Copley). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). | Bannister v. Jenkins (jury for Jenkins). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Warren v. Apthorp (4 actions; Warren discontinues in 2; jury for Apthorp in 2). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Warren v. Hill (jury for Hill). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). | Bowdoin v. Warren (jury for Warren). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Kennebec Proprietors v. Goodwin (Proprietors discontinue). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
J. Green v. G. Green (jury for G. Green). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). | Hill v. Whiting (special verdict; continued; see No. 17). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Ruddock v. Snelling (jury for Snelling). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
Storer v. Green (jury for Green). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). | Hake v. Barret (jury for Hake). |
|
| 1772 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (76 actions). |
BROOKLINE v. ROXBURY, No. 27, Docs. V–VII (judgment for Brookline). |
|
| 1772 | March | Suffolk Superior Court. | Rex v. Richardson (Richardson pardoned; see No. 59). | |
| 1772 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Haven v. Whitney (jury for Haven). |
|
| 1772 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (33 writs drawn; 69 actions). | ||
| 343 | ||||
| 1772 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 3 actions). | Oliver v. Nicholls (jury for Oliver). |
|
| 1772 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 3 actions). |
Taylor v. Russell (withdrawn from jury; continued). |
|
| 1772 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Doane v. Brown (jury for Doane). |
|
| 1772 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Bangs v. Snow (jury for Snow). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | I. Mackfarland v. Fish (jury for Mackfarland). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | S. Mackfarland v. Fish (Mackfarland discontinues). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Jacobs v. Barker (judgment for Jacobs). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Jacobs v. Tillage (special verdict). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Watson v. Sears (jury for Sears). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). |
Colden v. Stockbridge (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1772 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 7 actions). | Watson v. Bartlet (jury for Watson). |
|
| 1772 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Patch v. Herrick (judgment for Patch; see No. 32). |
|
| 1772 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | TAYLOR v. CAESAR, No. 41, Docs. V, VI (jury for Caesar). | |
| 1772 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Elder v. Trott (jury for Trott). |
|
| 1772 | July | Reference from Essex Superior Court | WILKINS v. FULLER, No. 20, Doc. II (takes minutes and perhaps represents Wilkins; report that neither owes anything). | |
| 1772 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (54 writs drawn; 12 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
E. Fales v. J. Fales (jury for J. Fales). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | HILL v. WHITING, No. 17, Docs. I, II (judgment for Hill on special verdict). | |
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | EMMONS v. BREWER, No. 33 (judgment for Brewer). | |
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | Green v. Gridley (jury for Green). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Williams v. Champney (Champney discontinues). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | Dennie v. Reeve (jury for Reeve). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | Green v. Warren (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | Crooks v. Holbrook (Holbrook defaults). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Burdett v. Philips (Burdett defaults). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Ruddock v. Hall (jury for Hall). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Billings v. Wheatley (jury for Billings). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | Richards v. Heakley (jury for Richards). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Doane v. Emmes (jury for Doane). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Gay v. Richards (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). |
Hooton v. Grout (judgment for Grout). |
|
| 1772 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (85 actions). | Adams v. Hamilton (judgment for Hamilton). |
|
| 344 | ||||
| 1772 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Cutler v. Pierpont (jury for Cutler). |
|
| 1772 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Bradshaw v. Harrington (jury for Bradshaw). |
|
| 1772 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (41 writs drawn; 3 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). |
White v. Hathaway (jury for Hathaway). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). |
Jones v. Hathaway (jury for Hathaway). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). | Godfrey v. Williams (jury for Godfrey). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). |
Paddleford v. Godfrey (jury for Godfrey). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). |
Pinkham v. Deane (jury for Deane). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). | Morey v. Fillebrown (jury for Morey). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). | Wilbore v. Slade (judgment for Slade). |
|
| 1772 | October | Bristol Superior Court (13 actions). |
Burt v. Williams (jury for Burt). |
|
| 1772 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 1 action). |
Child v. Smith (jury for Smith). |
|
| 1772 | November | Moves with family to Queen Street in Boston. | ||
| 1772 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
LEE v. BANCROFT, No. 10, Docs. IV, V (after argument, Bancroft defaults). |
|
| 1772 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Sawyer v. Pecker (judgment for Pecker). |
|
| 1772 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | PORTER v. STEEL, No. 7, Docs. I, II (jury for Porter). | |
| 1772 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Marston v. Coombs (Coombs' plea in abatement overruled; continued). |
|
| 1773 | January–February | Publishes articles in the Boston Gazette answering William Brattle and opposing Crown salaries for Superior Court judges. |
||
| 1773 | January–February | Suffolk Inferior Court (82 writs drawn; 11 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). |
Minot v. Prince (jury for Minot). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). | Vernon v. Manley (jury for Manley). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). | McKendry v. Redman (jury for Redman). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). |
Robins v. Young (jury for Young). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). |
Williams v. Curtis (jury for Williams). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). | Hall v. Needham (jury for Hall). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). |
Baker v. Porter (judgment for Porter). |
|
| 1773 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (70 actions). | REX v. BELL, No. 62 (takes minutes). | |
| 345 | ||||
| 1773 | February | Vice Admiralty Court. | DAWSON v. DOLPHIN, No. 52, Docs. I, II (decree for claimants). | |
| 1773 | March | Vice Admiralty Court. | SURVEYOR GENERAL v. LOGS, KENNEBEC COMPANY, claimant, No. 55, Docs. I–III (decree for Kennebec Company). |
|
| 1773 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 3 actions). | Gordon v. Martin (jury for Martin). |
|
| 1773 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 3 actions). |
Martin v. Gordon (jury for Martin). |
|
| 1773 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 3 actions). | PRESCOTT v. PRIEST, No. 19, Docs. III, IV (jury for Prescott). | |
| 1773 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (84 writs drawn; 11 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1773 | April | Vice Admiralty Court. | DAWSON v. THE JENNY, No. 52 (decree of forfeiture). |
|
| 1773 | May | Elected by the House a member of the Council, but negatived by Hutchinson. | ||
| 1773 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Lynds v. Thacher (Thacher defaults). |
|
| 1773 | May | Barnstable and Dukes County Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Doane v. Harding (jury for Harding). |
|
| 1773 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Rochester 1st Precinct v. Sundry (Rochester discontinues). |
|
| 1773 | May | Plymouth Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Otis v. Simmons (jury for Otis). |
|
| 1773 | June | Essex Superior Court (14 actions). | Marston v. Coombs (jury for Marston). |
|
| 1773 | June | Essex Superior Court (14 actions). |
Hooper v. Norwood (jury for Hooper). |
|
| 1773 | June | Essex Superior Court (14 actions). |
Champion v. Eaton (jury for Champion). |
|
| 1773 | June | Essex Superior Court (14 actions). | Glover v. Champion (Champion nonsuited). |
|
| 1773 | June | Essex Superior Court (14 actions). | Woodbury v. Hooper (chancery for Hooper). |
|
| 1773 | June | Essex Superior Court (14 actions). |
Bass v. Knight (jury for Knight). |
|
| 1773 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (52 writs drawn; 12 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Scott v. Tirrell (jury for Scott). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). |
William Barrell v. Walter Barrell (William discontinues). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Ayer v. Gardiner (jury for Gardiner). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Downer v. Wyman (jury for Wyman). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Patten v. Goldthwait (jury for Patten). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). |
Wyman v. Downer (jury for Wyman). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). |
Needham v. Hall (jury for Needham). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Worth v. Folger (proceedings quashed). |
|
| 346 | ||||
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Clark v. McCarney (McCarney's plea in abatement overruled; continued). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Story v. Keen (Story confesses judgment; chancery for Keen). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Petition of James Bowdoin (granted). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Swan v. Davenport (Swan discontinues). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Richards v. Doble (Richards discontinues). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Parker v. Tayler (jury for Tayler). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Savage v. Gould (jury for Gould). |
|
| 1773 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (73 actions). | Spear v. Keen (Keen defaults). |
|
| 1773 | August | Special Court of Admiralty for the Trial of Piracies. | REX v. NICKERSON, No. 57, Docs. I, III (Nickerson acquitted). |
|
| 1773 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Stevens v. Gates (jury for Gates). |
|
| 1773 | September | Worcester Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Chandler v. Bradish (judgment for Bradish). |
|
| 1773 | October | Suffolk Inferior Court (44 writs drawn; 4 defendants' actions). | ||
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). | Robinson v. Brayton (judgment for Brayton). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). |
Weaver v. Slade (jury for Slade). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). |
Ripley v. Williams (jury for Ripley). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). | Porter v. Lincoln (jury for Porter). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). |
Williams v. Woodward (judgment for Williams). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). | Briggs v. Foster (jury for Briggs). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). |
Richmond v. Woodward (jury for Richmond). |
|
| 1773 | October | Bristol Superior Court (at least 9 actions). |
Gilbert v. Parris (jury for Parris). |
|
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Fowle v. Wyman (jury for Fowle). |
|
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | PRESCOTT v. KEEP, No. 18, Doc. I (jury for Keep; motion in arrest of judgment; continued). | |
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). |
Gibbs v. Eames (jury for Gibbs). |
|
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Sparhawk v. Bridge (withdrawn from jury; continued). |
|
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Divine v. Ware (jury for Ware). |
|
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Clafflin v. Ware (Clafflin nonsuited). |
|
| 1773 | October | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 8 actions). | Stone v. Ware (jury for Ware). |
|
| 1773 | October | Essex Inferior Court. | CAESAR v. GREENLEAF, No. 42, (jury for Caesar). | |
| 1773 | November | Essex Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | ||
| 1774 | January | Suffolk Inferior Court (79 writs drawn; 13 defendants' actions). | ||
| 347 | ||||
| 1774 | February | House of Representatives impeaches Chief Justice Peter Oliver, using authorities furnished by JA. | ||
| 1774 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (52 actions; adjourned to June without trials; JA did not attend). | ||
| 1774 | March | Prepares statement of Massachusetts' claim to the “western lands.” | ||
| 1774 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Brown v. Willington (jury for Brown). |
|
| 1774 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). |
Barren v. Crosby (jury for Crosby). |
|
| 1774 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Eames v. Gibbs (jury for Gibbs). |
|
| 1774 | April | Middlesex Superior Court (at least 5 actions). | Warren v. Hagan (jury for Warren; motion in arrest of judgment; continued). |
|
| 1774 | April | Suffolk Inferior Court (94 actions). | ||
| 1774 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Taft v. Cragin (jury for Cragin). |
|
| 1774 | April | Worcester Superior Court (at least 2 actions). | Bolton Inhabitants v. Goss (withdrawn from jury; continued). | |
| 1774 | May | Elected by the House a member of the Council, but negatived by Gage. | ||
| 1774 | June | Elected a Massachusetts delegate to the First Continental Congress; moves his family to Braintree, retaining office in Queen Street. | ||
| 1774 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Ober v. Ellis (special verdict; continued). |
|
| 1774 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
Eaton v. Fuller (chancery for Fuller; 1s.). |
|
| 1774 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
Symonds v. Aborn (judgment for Aborn). |
|
| 1774 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). | Leigh v. Morrell (jury for Morrell). |
|
| 1774 | June | Essex Superior Court (at least 6 actions). |
Wilder v. Peabody (jury for Peabody). |
|
| 1774 | June | York Superior Court (at least 2 actions). |
Alden v. Cutt (jury for Cutt). |
|
| 1774 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | Andrews v. King (jury for Andrews; see No. 2). |
|
| 1774 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 4 actions). | KING v. STEWART, No. 2, Doc. XIII (jury for King). | |
| 1774 | July | Cumberland and Lincoln Superior Court (at least 4 actions). |
Burnam v. Libbee (jury for Libbee). |
|
| 1774 | July | Suffolk Inferior Court (80 actions). | ||
| 1774 | July | Vice Admiralty Court. | ROSS' CASE, No. 53 (takes minutes). | |
| 1774 | August | Travels to Philadelphia to the Congress. | ||
| 1774 | August | Suffolk Superior Court (at least 63 actions; all trials continued). | ||
| 348 | ||||
| 1774 | November | Returns to Braintree. Attends first Provincial Congress as a member from Braintree. | ||
| 1774 | December | Re-elected to Congress. | ||
| 1775 | January–April | Publishes “Novanglus” essays in Boston Gazette in answer to Daniel Leonard's “Massachusettensis” articles. |
||
| 1775 | February | Suffolk Superior Court (last session under Crown). | ||
| 1775 | March | Elected a Braintree selectman. | ||
| 1775 | May | Attends Second Continental Congress. | ||
| 1775 | July | Elected by the House a member of the Council. | ||
| 1775 | August | Returns to Braintree. Attends Massachusetts Council. Re-elected to Congress. | ||
| 1775 | September–December | Attends Continental Congress at Philadelphia. Plays a principal part in measures leading to the establishment of an American navy, including the composition and publication of Rules for the Regulation of the Navy of the United Colonies of North America. |
||
| 1775 | October | Appointed Chief Justice of Massachusetts | ||
| 1775 | December | Returns to Braintree. Attends Massachusetts Council. Re-elected to Congress. | ||
| 1776 | January | Drafts Proclamation for the General Court, to be read at the opening of the Courts of justice and in town meetings. | ||
| 1776 | February–October | Attends Continental Congress. | ||
| 349 | ||||
| 1776 | March–April | Writes Thoughts on Government. |
||
| 1776 | April | Resigns from Massachusetts Council. | ||
| 1776 | May | Advocates establishment of new state governments and writes preamble to resolution of 15 May recommending such action to the states. | ||
| 1776 | June | Appointed to committee to draft a declaration of independence. | ||
| 1776 | July | Makes principal speech in favor of the resolution for independence and signs Declaration of Independence. | ||
| 1776 | August | Revises Articles of War. | ||
| 1776 | October | Returns to Braintree. | ||
| 1776 | November | Re-elected to Congress. | ||
| 1777 | January | Attends Congress in Baltimore. | ||
| 1777 | February | Resigns Chief Justiceship of Massachusetts. | ||
| 1777 | March | Begins to serve on Standing Committee on Appeals in Prize Cases. | ||
| 1777 | November | Returns to Braintree and resumes practice. | ||
| 1777 | December | New Hampshire Court Maritime. | PENHALLOW v. THE LUSANNA, No. 58, Docs. I–III (decree of forfeiture; appeal; while trying the case, notified of his appointment as Joint Commissioner to France). |
|
| 1778 | February | Sails for France. |