3p Massachusetts Colonial Issue embossed revenue stamped paper on document

May 1, 1755

On its first day of use in the colony of Massachusetts, the three pence [penny] "Pine Tree" revenue stamp was affixed to this colonial legal document dated May 1, 1775. This document specifies that six pounds were to be attached to the goods/estate of Jose Briant, blacksmith, to repay a debt to a Stephen Coffin. Briant had refused to pay Coffin a promised two pounds, seven shillings and ten pence; and now the bill was increased to six pounds to include damages. The accused was to be held at Salem, Massachusetts until the second Tuesday of July when he was to answer to Stephen Coffin. The document was addressed to the sheriff or deputy sheriff of Essex County. It bears the signatures of Thomas Berry, a witness, and Joseph Willot, the deputy sheriff.