Worcester Janry. 9th 1778 To the Honorable Robert Treat Paine Esqr. Sir,

We would hereby acquaint your honor that In obedience to a late Law of this State Intittled an Act to secure this and the others of the united States of America from the Danger to which they were are Exposed from by the Internal Enemies thereof. The Names of a Number of persons from Several Towns in the county of Worcester were returned to some of the Justices in sd. county who took Bonds with sureties of them for their appearance at a Special court appointed to be held for the trial of Such persons. Which court was appointed to Meet on Tusday the 19th of August last and continued by adjournment until Wednesday preceeding the last Wednesday in December, Juries were legally Summoned and Some of the Respondents appeared and had their trial. And some others, and those too, whom we have Reason to suspect were are Represented the most obnoxious absconded themselves. The court therefore think it necessary both for the Safety of these united States and for the Honor of government their Bonds should be prosecuted. Samuel Baker Esqr. Member of the Honble. House of Representitives will Deliver to you the aforesaid Bonds.

Joseph Wheeler	}			Committee
Jona. Ward		of the court
Jos: Allen.		Aforesaid

P.S. If you think proper to appoint an Attorney to prosecute sd. Bonds in this country we think it proper our Duty to Inform you that the attorneys in this county (Except Mr. Lincoln1) have been Engaged in Behalf of the Respondents.

RC ; addressed: “To the Honble. Robert Treat Paine Esqr. Attorney General for the State of the Massachusetts Bay”; endorsed.

1.

Levi Lincoln (1749–1820), see vol. 3.