Organization of Court of Merrymeeting

May 23, 1654

"At the house of Thomas Ashley, a resident of 'Merry Meeting,' the English inhabiting upon and near the River called Kennebec, who by their paucity and fewness of numbers and their remoteness, have not hither enjoyed the benefits of government upon said River of Kennebec, in pursuance of a summons and warrent issues to the marshal of New Plymouth, requiring the inhabitants on said River to make their personal appearance, said inhabitants did assenble...

"This assemblage of the pioneer settlers was sworn to faithfulness to government and to one another, in the administration of the law and regulartions applicable to their state and circumstances. The common law was recognized as binding and the reparation of its wrongs was provided for. Drunkenness was prohibited, and the sale of intoxicating liquor to the Natives was forbidden under penalties. Trade was also regulated with the Indians -- trial by jury secured."

Thomas Purchase was appointed presiding justive, and Thomas Ashley was chosen constable. THe assembly adjorned to "meet in court at the same place on the ensuing year."

The oath of fidelity was taken by: Thomas Cole, Thomas Ashley, James Smith, John Richards, John Browne, Thomas Atkins, Edmund Hughes, Thomas Webber, Thomas Purchase Gent., John Stone, William James, Thomas Parker, Alex. Twaitt, John White, and William Davis.

Sewall, Ancient Dominions of Maine