A most interesting manuscript "manual" of the various duties of a coroner in Amesbury, Massachusetts around 1733. Written probably by Josiah Sawyer, one of the Essex County Coroners of that time. It is unclear if the name used in the list of duties, John Gibbons, is an actual victim, or just an example. Other Amesbury residents are listed as jurors to help determine cause of death, and subsequent findings.16 pp in manuscript,with 4 leaves at end. The last two leaves with daybook entries for 1745/6 (Sarah Bartlett) and first leaf has an entry for 1840 (Rec'd of James Sawyer). The stitched pamphlet is crudely bound into an early leather "binding" resembling a wallet with a wrap around flap. There has been a board attached to the inside front cover with crude sewing, to provide structure. Onto the board has been pasted a booksellers description and also a small bookplate of Otto Oren Fisher (both 20th c). Size: H 7" x W 4-1/2". Certainly a unique piece of Early American law dealing with the strict rules for determining cause of death, and what to do once the cause is determined. A person killed in a duel was not afforded a Christian burial, but was to be immediately "buried without a coffin, with a stake drove through the body..." Condition: complete and in fine shape for its age. Copy and paste this link for high-res images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/bnm2ir1ifb5zh47/AAC6DsxebLbrIK9v5zy7OWQGa?dl=0