A MASSACHUSETTS MAN OFFERs AN INDIAN AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR MILITARY SERVICE - 1729

Unusual manuscript dated 21 Ocober, 1729 being an affidavit concerning the case of man who attempted to offer a local Indian to subtitute when he was impressed for military service. 

The document reads, in full (with original spelling retained): "Benjamin Waffen of Lawfull age being supened to give Evidence in a Case between James Otis Plaintiff and Joshua Shaveman defendant & saith that the said Shaveman and Elkanan Morton were imprest into His Majestys service. 

They having the liverty to hire one man between hem, they presented an Indian man, to me called Moses Attaquen. 
I examined the said Indian, whether he was any man's servant, and he told me he was not. Howsoever, I told Shaveman & Morton that I could not accept and Indian in their rooms, but told them they should agree and I would list one of them accordingly they agreed, and listed Elkanan Motton and told them if the Collonel would accept of an Indian it would be well." 

The James Otis named in the dispute, is more than likely James Otis Sr., the father of the radical, James Otis, Jr. 

James Otis Sr. (1702–1778) was a prominent lawyer in the Province of Massachusetts Bay with his son James Otis Jr. also rising to prominence. 
He was often called "Colonel James" because of his military rank and also to distinguish between him and his famous son. 
He was a stalwart member of the Popular Party, as was his son, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Size:150 x 185mm
Condition: Light dampstains, usual folds, else very good.