Papers of John Adams, volume 3

From Perez Morton, 28 October 1775 Morton, Perez Massachusetts Council Massachusetts Council, Deputy Secretary JA

1775-10-28

From Perez Morton, 28 October 1775 Morton, Perez Massachusetts Council Massachusetts Council, Deputy Secretary Adams, John

From Perez Morton

Council Chamber, Watertown Octo. 28th. 1775 Sir

I am directed by the Major part of the Council of this Colony, to acquaint You, that by Virtue of the power and Authority in and by the Royal Charter in the abscence of the Governor and Lieutt. Governor lodged in them, they have seen fit to appoint You, with the Advice and consent of Council, to be first or Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Judicature &c. for this Colony. The inclosed is a List of Your bretheren of the Bench, who are to hold their Seats in the Order 258therein Arranged. I am further directed, to request Your Honor to signify to the board in writing Your Acceptance or refusal of said appointment, as soon as may be. In the Name and by the Order of the Council.

Perez Morton Dpy. Secre.

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “To The Honble. John Adams Esq at Philadelphia”; docketed: “Dpty Secys. Letter. Octr. 28. 1775.”

Enclosure: List of Superior Court Justices, 28 October 1775 Morton, Perez Massachusetts Council Massachusetts Council, Deputy Secretary of JA

1775-10-28

Enclosure: List of Superior Court Justices, 28 October 1775 Morton, Perez Massachusetts Council Massachusetts Council, Deputy Secretary of Adams, John

Enclosure: List of Superior Court Justices

Honble. John Adams Esqr.

William Cushing Esqr.

William Read Esqr.

Honble. Rob. Treat Paine Esqr.1

Nathl. P. Sargent Esqr.

RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “To The Honble. John Adams Esq at Philadelphia”; docketed: “Dpty Secys. Letter. Octr. 28. 1775.”

For Paine's placement in the ranking and its consequences, see James Warren to JA, 20 Oct. and notes (above).