Scope and Contents This manuscript contains two unsigned copies of separate petitions addressed to William Shirley, Royal Governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, by the Swansea board of selectmen. The first, dated 28 May 1746, reports that Joseph Mason, constable for the western portion of Swansea, failed to collect a tax due to the general treasury of the province, Mason claiming that he never received a warrant authorizing him to do so. The petitioners seek the governor's permission to designate an...