Manuscript
Page: Front

Petition to the General Court from the Town of Acton

Page: Front | Back
Date: June 12, 1786
About this artifact

Many towns in Massachusetts petitioned the state legislature for relief during the economic problems of 1786. These petitions complained about the steep costs of government, scarcity of money and the methods of debt collection. Most included a request that real and personal property be accepted as legal tender for the payment of debts. Often included was a request that the General Court (the legislature) be moved out of Boston. The people of Acton also wanted fees for collections and lawyers to be lowered, as well as the salaries of state officials. This petition was read in the state senate on June 15, but the legislature adjourned on July 8 without acting on any of the requests.

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Courtesy American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, MA