An Abridgment of Burn's Justice of the Peace and Parish Officer. To Which is Added An Appendix, Containing Some General Rules and Directions Necessary to be Known and Observed By All Justices of the Peace. by [BURN, Richard] - 1773

Boston: Joseph Greenleaf. Very Good-. 1773. Leather. An abridgment of this book of legal definitions from pre-Revolutionary Massachusetts Bay colony, summarizing the principal laws and defining legal terms of the time. The entries are presented in alphabetical order, from 'accessory' to 'woman'. In his introduction, the publisher has taken pains to explain that regulations specific to England and Scotland have been removed and that this is a book intended for use by Americans. Page 345 mis-numbered as 145. Appendix with general rules, directions and formats to be used in legal settings. Single leaf at rear of volume with ads both sides touting publisher's other offerings. --- With an inked notation on the front free endpaper, dated 1776, stating that this book was given as a gift in memory of 'the Hon. John (Thomas Esq Descarte) who was a Major General in the Continental Army.' Two 1780 marriages are noted on the verso of the ffep. --- In full pigskin covers with tooling to edges. Five raised spine bands. A new leather label with gilt titling has been affixed to spine. Pages quite bright though tanned at margins. (NOTE: A tear to front hinge has been professionally repaired and reinforced prior to this listing.); Octavo - 8 to 9 in. tall; 386, (2, ads) pages .