A website from the Massachusetts Historical Society; founded 1791.

Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 2

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From Gilbert Deblois

31 March 1767

From Samuel Fitch

14 May 1767
From James Athearn
Athearn, James RTP
Martha's Vineyard 27th April 1767 Sr.,

I1 have the Care of a Case by Appeal from this County to Barnstable2 Elisha Ommo Applt. vers John Atset: apple. an assault:3 and as I shall want your assistance Desire you not undertake if you should be405Solicited: & I will make you proper satisfaction. from Sr. your Huml. Servt.

JAMES ATHEARN

RC ; addressed: "To Robt. T. Paine Esqr."

1.

James Athearn (1725–1814) was a lawyer at Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard. He represented Tisbury in the state legislature at this time, was appointed clerk of the court and register of probate in 1761, and became judge of probate in 1775 (Charles Edward Banks, The History of Martha's Vineyard, 3 vols. [Boston, 1911–1925], 1:507, 508, 510, 3:23).

2.

At this time the Superior Court held a joint session for the counties of Barnstable and Dukes at the town of Barnstable.

3.

No record of this case appears in the minute book of the Superior Court, which RTP did attend at Barnstable on May 13, nor in his cashbook or minutes of trials (RTP Diary).