(Plymouth Colony Indians)

A Massachusetts Bay Colony General Assembly Report by a Committee charged with reviewing Indian deeds and studying rival land claims between English colonists and Plymouth Colony Indians, 1 page (11 7/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 302 x 193 mm) on a bifolium, written in a neat clerical hand, [Boston?], 2 June 1703, signed by committee members Samuel Gardner, John Walley, William Gayer, John Thacher, and John Otis, on the verso of the committee report, marked "Presented, and read in Council," is the order and concurrence of the House of Representatives on the same, signed by the Assembly Secretary Isaac Addington and Speaker Samuel Converse, docketed on the verso of the integral blank "Report of ye Committee upon the Indian Papers May 1703; some staining and soiling, a few marginal chips, one old repair at horizontal fold of integral blank. Half honey morocco portfolio.

A Massachusetts Bay Colony General Assembly Report by a Committee charged with reviewing Indian deeds and studying rival land claims between English colonists and Plymouth Colony Indians, 1 page (11 7/8 x 7 5/8 in.; 302 x 193 mm) on a bifolium, written in a neat clerical hand, [Boston?], 2 June 1703, signed by committee members Samuel Gardner, John Walley, William Gayer, John Thacher, and John Otis, on the verso of the committee report, marked "Presented, and read in Council," is the order and concurrence of the House of Representatives on the same, signed by the Assembly Secretary Isaac Addington and Speaker Samuel Converse, docketed on the verso of the integral blank "Report of ye Committee upon the Indian Papers May 1703; some staining and soiling, a few marginal chips, one old repair at horizontal fold of integral blank. Half honey morocco portfolio.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Settling land claims between English colonists and Plymouth Colony Indians. The present document, signed by seven prominent citizens of the recently re-unified Massachusetts Bay Colony, provides an insight into the early system that arbitrated between colonists and native peoples, both claiming good title to lands. The committee reporting here was "Apointed by the Greater General Assembly to Inspect & Examine ye Sveral deeds writings & papers of Sundry Indians & to make a Report ... In Obediance to said order wee have [met with] the said Indians & perused their petitions deeds & papers & find that what is ... a Confirmation of their Lands to them according to the WIlls & Grants of their ... Sachems." However, the committee further determined that "said Wills not having been proved in due form of Law nor drawn up in form as is usual among the English It lyeth only in the powers of this Court to Record them & to allow or give orders for Directions for the allowing of the same." The committee authorizes accurate translations of the competing deeds to be made, the cost of this to be borne by the Colony.

Appended to the report is a list of six specific Indian claims, including "Jonah Wassamon Claims No Mans Land"; "Mosiah Motaach Claims Hayheads Neck & Massaquinset"; "Zachariah Hawsooitclaims Takommy Sachemship" (Tisbury on Martha's Vineyard); and "Betty Sawssamon Claims Assawomset" (this area is still known as "Betty's Neck"). The report also notes that "Four Sachems on Nantucket make a Claim of Roads for Cattle The Town of Shelbourn on Nantucket to be notified."

The report having been read to the Assembly, that body ordered and concurred that a new committee be appointed "to Notify the persons named in the said Report, together with the Indian Claimees, to attend them, ... and further to examine the deeds. ... And upon hearing of the pleas and allegations on both sides to prepare and state the matters to be laid before this Court, at the next session."