Watertown, 6 September 1775. Printed form with spaces filled in appropriately ( Adams Papers ); signed by Perez Morton, Deputy Secretary, and fifteen Council members; on the verso in an unidentified hand: “J. Adams Esq.”; docketed in later years by JA : “Commision.” This commission, listed in Council records under the date of 8 September, was approved at the same time as similar ones for John...
2To George Washington from Perez Morton, 12 September 1775 (Washington Papers)
Agreable to your Request, I am directed by the Board to inform your Excellency, that in consequence of your Excellency’s Letter to the Board, relative to the great Increase of Prisoners here, they apprised the 3 other Colonies of New England, thereof by Letters to their several Assemblies —In Consequence of Which they have received for answer, from Govr Cooke of Rhode Island, that their...
3To George Washington from Perez Morton, 4 October 1775 (Washington Papers)
In the Brigantine Dolphin lately carried into Gloucester, the two Women accompanying this were Passengers —There names are Margaret Roberts & Mary Knap—They say they have Husbands belonging to the 59th Regt of Genl Gage’s Army—And are desirous of seeing them—I am therefore directed by the Board, to recommend to your Exy to permit them and 2 Children, to pass your Lines, in order to their...
4To John Adams from Perez Morton, 28 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
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...
5Enclosure: List of Superior Court Justices, 28 October 1775 (Adams Papers)
Honble. John Adams Esqr. William Cushing Esqr. William Read Esqr. Honble. Rob. Treat Paine Esqr. 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).
6John Adams’ Commission as Justice of the Peace in Massachusetts Counties, 8 November 1775 (Adams Papers)
Watertown, 8 November 1775. Printed form with spaces filled in appropriately ( Adams Papers ); signed by Perez Morton, Deputy Secretary, and fifteen Council members. This commission is identical to that received by JA dated 6 September appointing him Justice of the Peace of Suffolk County (see calendar entry, above) except that it broadened his powers to include all of Massachusetts. Like the...
The Committee of both Houses appointed to consider a Plan for fiting out one or more Armed Vessels for the defence of American Liberty, have attended that service, and Report in the following Resolves, vizt. Resolved that two Ships be built, as soon as may be, at the expence of this Colony; One Suitable to carry Thirty-Six Guns, vizt., Twenty Four Guns carrying twelve Pound Shot, and Sixteen...
8Enclosure: Resolution Appointing Massachusetts Delegates to the Continental Congress, 18 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Whereas John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and Elbridge Gerry Esqrs. have been chosen by joint Ballot of the two houses of Assembly to represent the Colony of Massachusetts Bay in New England in the American Congress untill the first day of January A.D. 1777— Resolved that they or any one or more of them are hereby fully impowered, with the delegates from the other...
9To John Adams from Perez Morton, 19 January 1776 (Adams Papers)
Agreable to the Direction of the inclosed Resolution, I am to acquaint you that by a joint Ballot of both Houses of Assembly for the Colony of Massachusetts Bay You are elected one of the Delegates to represent that Colony in American Congress untill the first Day of January AD 1777 And the enclosed Resolve you are to make the general Rule of your Conduct. RC ( Adams Papers ); with enclosure,...
10The General Court to the Massachusetts Delegates, 9 – 10 May 1776 (Adams Papers)
Inclosed you have an Account of Powder supplyed the Army lately before Boston, by this Colony. We have not been able to procure the proper Vouchers for the delivery of the whole of it to the Army, but as it was delivered on the day of the Battle at Bunker Hill and at other times of Alarm and Confusion, we trust that neglect will be excused. The Account is not supposed to contain the whole of...