Note-Book Kept by Thomas Lechford, Esq., Lawyer, in Boston, Massachusetts Bay, from June 27, 1638, to July 29, 1641. [Transactions and Collections of the American Antiquarian Society Vol. VII]

xxviii, 460 pp. 8vo. Edward E. Hale, in his introductory note, calls this work 'one of the most valuable documents which have been preserved, of the history of the first generation of Massachusetts.' "Lechford sailed for America, arriving at Boston on 27 June 1638. He was the first practicing lawyer in Massachusetts Bay Colony, though others, such as John Winthrop (1588-1649), had been attorneys in England... Lechford, who had skill as a chirographer, worked as a conveyancer, scrivener, and draftsman. He drew up deeds and leases and exercised powers of attorney. He drafted many arbitration bonds for persons settling their differences out of court. He kept a meticulous account of all his legal business in his Note-Book (published 1885)... Occasionally Lechford was allowed to act as counsel in court. In summer 1639 he was debarred for "pleading" with the jury "out of Court."" (Ward, American National Biography)