Moses Maverick (3 results)

Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 336 pages. 8.50x5.51x0.70 inches. In Stock.

Condition: Good. Item in good condition and has highlighting/writing on text. Used texts may not contain supplemental items such as CDs, info-trac etc.

MOSES MAVERICK (1611-1686). Maverick founded Marblehead, Massachusetts and served as its first selectman for 14 years. Document. 1 pg. 6 x 8. N.d. N.p. A contemporary copy of an affidavit signed Moses Maverick: That which I can testifie [sic] is that housingto you by the house of Peter Pitfordand defined time to tell him one thing, which was whether I had given Mr. Endicotts man William Pool anythe day before when he was at my house; I told him I had not, for I had soon about two thisat my stays and then was sentnever given Mr. Endicotts man; He told me he had nine or ten stolen out of a pile and it would be none other but Carwithing for he knewthen went; and that Mr. Endicotts man had the samethat went stolen under his arms going homewardbut so said Mr. Endicotts man would notand to this as much as I remember I shall take my oath if called. There are also some notes on the bottom of the document that seem to be in a different hand and are a bit faded. The Endicott referenced in the letter is likely John Endicott (or Endecott). Endicott (1600-1664) served as Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for a record sixteen years, including consecutively from 1655 until his death. Moses Maverick was a respected politician in Marblehead, Massachusetts, helping it achieve its independence from the town of Salem. On the other hand, Peter Pitford is portrayed in the historical record as a feared and not well-liked man. In 1651, he was sued by a neighbor for defamation, claiming that Pitford made him so afraid that he feared for his life. In 1667, Erasmus James sued Pitford, also for defamation. However, James said he was defamed when Pitford claimed James wife was a witch, and he won the suit. Another source gives the date of this defamation trial as 1650 (though the 1667 date is from official records). Though decades before the infamous Salem Witch Trials (which claimed one victim in Marblehead in 1692), James suit highlights that hysteria surrounding witchcraft in colonial New England periodically popped up throughout the mid-to-late 17th century. The letter is in fine condition with some stains and fading at the bottom. It will be worthwhile to any student of American colonial law and history, especially Massachusetts colonial history.