1801 Massachusetts (District of Maine) Court Writ & Sheriff's Return – Cumberland County – Complete Civil Attachment File
1801 Massachusetts (District of Maine) Court Writ & Sheriff's Return – Cumberland County – Complete Civil Attachment File
Original manuscript Court of Common Pleas writ issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Cumberland County, District of Maine, dated January 1801, accompanied by the original handwritten statement of account forming the basis of the lawsuit.
The action was brought by Jacobson (Jackson) Paine against Solomon Bryant, a farmer of Paris, Maine, seeking recovery of an unpaid debt totaling approximately $32.93 arising from merchandise, lodging, labor, and other charges. The writ orders the sheriff to attach Bryant's property or, failing sufficient estate, arrest him and require his appearance before the Court of Common Pleas.
Particularly desirable is the fully completed Deputy Sheriff's return, dated February 2, 1801, certifying that Lot No. 8 in the Third Range of Lots belonging to Bryant was attached and that legal notice was left at his residence. The accompanying manuscript account itemizes the debt and provides a fascinating snapshot of everyday commerce and credit in frontier Maine during the early Federal period.
Details
- Original Commonwealth of Massachusetts Court of Common Pleas writ.
- Cumberland County, District of Maine (prior to Maine statehood).
- January–February 1801.
- Civil attachment proceeding against Solomon Bryant.
- Includes original handwritten account ledger totaling approximately $32.93.
- Fully executed deputy sheriff's return recording attachment of real estate.
- Original court docketing and endorsements.
- Condition: Good to very good with expected fold wear, light edge losses, and minor fold separations; both documents remain complete and highly legible.
A scarce and highly appealing early American legal archive documenting debt collection, land attachment, and court procedure in the District of Maine before statehood, with exceptional genealogical and local historical research value.
Nature of the Case
This is a civil attachment action.
The sheriff is commanded to:
- Attach Bryant's goods or estate to secure the claim.
- If insufficient property exists, arrest the defendant.
- Require him to appear before the Court of Common Pleas.
The declaration alleges Bryant purchased various goods from the plaintiff and failed to pay approximately $32.93, consisting of:
- Board and lodging
- Store merchandise
- Labor
- Miscellaneous charges
A detailed handwritten account of the debt accompanies the writ.
Sheriff's Return
One of the most desirable features is the fully executed sheriff's return.
On February 2, 1801, the deputy sheriff certifies that he:
Attached Lot No. 8 in the Third Range of Lots belonging to Solomon Bryant.
He further notes leaving a written summons at Bryant's dwelling.
These completed returns are considerably scarcer than unused writs because they document the actual enforcement of early American civil law.
Historical Importance
This manuscript illustrates:
- Frontier legal practice in the District of Maine.
- Early debt collection procedures.
- Sheriff's execution of attachment process.
- Rural land ownership.
- Commercial credit in post-Revolutionary New England.
The accompanying account sheet substantially increases research interest because it documents everyday prices and charges incurred by an ordinary farmer.
1801 Massachusetts (District of Maine) Court Writ & Sheriff's Return – Cumberland County – Complete Civil Attachment File
Original manuscript Court of Common Pleas writ issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for Cumberland County, District of Maine, dated January 1801, accompanied by the original handwritten statement of account forming the basis of the lawsuit.
The action was brought by Jacobson (Jackson) Paine against Solomon Bryant, a farmer of Paris, Maine, seeking recovery of an unpaid debt totaling approximately $32.93 arising from merchandise, lodging, labor, and other charges. The writ orders the sheriff to attach Bryant's property or, failing sufficient estate, arrest him and require his appearance before the Court of Common Pleas.
Particularly desirable is the fully completed Deputy Sheriff's return, dated February 2, 1801, certifying that Lot No. 8 in the Third Range of Lots belonging to Bryant was attached and that legal notice was left at his residence. The accompanying manuscript account itemizes the debt and provides a fascinating snapshot of everyday commerce and credit in frontier Maine during the early Federal period.
Details
- Original Commonwealth of Massachusetts Court of Common Pleas writ.
- Cumberland County, District of Maine (prior to Maine statehood).
- January–February 1801.
- Civil attachment proceeding against Solomon Bryant.
- Includes original handwritten account ledger totaling approximately $32.93.
- Fully executed deputy sheriff's return recording attachment of real estate.
- Original court docketing and endorsements.
- Condition: Good to very good with expected fold wear, light edge losses, and minor fold separations; both documents remain complete and highly legible.
A scarce and highly appealing early American legal archive documenting debt collection, land attachment, and court procedure in the District of Maine before statehood, with exceptional genealogical and local historical research value.
Nature of the Case
This is a civil attachment action.
The sheriff is commanded to:
- Attach Bryant's goods or estate to secure the claim.
- If insufficient property exists, arrest the defendant.
- Require him to appear before the Court of Common Pleas.
The declaration alleges Bryant purchased various goods from the plaintiff and failed to pay approximately $32.93, consisting of:
- Board and lodging
- Store merchandise
- Labor
- Miscellaneous charges
A detailed handwritten account of the debt accompanies the writ.
Sheriff's Return
One of the most desirable features is the fully executed sheriff's return.
On February 2, 1801, the deputy sheriff certifies that he:
Attached Lot No. 8 in the Third Range of Lots belonging to Solomon Bryant.
He further notes leaving a written summons at Bryant's dwelling.
These completed returns are considerably scarcer than unused writs because they document the actual enforcement of early American civil law.
Historical Importance
This manuscript illustrates:
- Frontier legal practice in the District of Maine.
- Early debt collection procedures.
- Sheriff's execution of attachment process.
- Rural land ownership.
- Commercial credit in post-Revolutionary New England.
The accompanying account sheet substantially increases research interest because it documents everyday prices and charges incurred by an ordinary farmer.
