Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 4
You have herewith inclosed the Resolution of the General Court respecting Mr: John Temple with the Papers accompanying it agreeable to the Advice of Council, which I now lay before you, & am persuaded that you will make such enquiry into his Conduct & pursue such a Course of procedure as is by Law prescribed.1
The resolution, dated Nov. 2, 1781, read: “Whether Mr. John Temple, by his conduct, has forfeited his title to the rights and privileges of a subject of this Commonwealth.” No evidence being provided, the General Court resolved that papers be returned to them, “presuming that the Governor with the advice of Council, will take every legal and constitutional measure, touching the subject mater of this message, that the nature of the case requires” (Acts and Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts [1780-1781] [Boston, 1890], Chapter 332 [Sept. 1781], 805–806).