|Date:||September 25, 1786| Many towns in Massachusetts
petitioned the state legislature for relief during the economic
problems of 1786. These petitions complained about the steep
costs of government, scarcity of money and the methods of debt
collection. Most included a request that real and personal
property be accepted as legal tender for the payment of debts.
Often included was a request that the General Court (the
legislature) be moved out of Boston. This petition specifically
states that the wants of the people of Boston are likely to be
favored over other towns because of their ability to speak with
the representatives on a daily basis, and that the expenses of
the members would be less if they were in a "country" town. The
people of Dracut wanted the Court of Common Pleas to be
abolished and the business given to the Justices of the Peace,
as they felt this would save money. They also called for the
salaries of the people in state government?and most especially
the governor?to be lowered.