Colonial Document Holds Boston Pewterer Charged With Not Returning Pictures

  

One-page, 6 ½ x 8, August 18. 1718, beautiful Colonial document, being an attachment against Boston Pewterer Thomas Francis, accusing him of failing to return fine pictures owned by mariner Joseph Watson. Francis, who signed the document on the verso, pleaded not guilty. Deputy sheriff James Scolley notes on the verso that he has attached the body of...

Thomas Francis and taken bond with security. The document begins, Suffolk, George, by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, To the Sheriff of Our County of Suffolk by his Under-Sheriff or Deputy, Greeting, We command you to attach the Goods or Estate of Thomas Francis of Boston in our County of Suffolk, Pewterer to the value of sixteen pounds...

The document is boldly signed by John Ballantine, born in Boston on March 15, 1674, as clerk of the court. Ballantine graduated from Harvard College. Notably, he joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts in 1694, became the second sergeant of the company in 1700, ensign in 1706, lieutenant in 1708 and Lieutenant-Colonel of a regiment in 1709 and Colonel in 1712. He was also chosen as a member of the committee that drew up a charter of incorporation for Boston. The Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts is the oldest chartered military organization in North America and the third oldest military organization in the world.

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