Scope and Content: During the period of the colonial charter (1629-1686), a Council assisted the governor of Massachusetts in an executive capacity, its members consisting of current and former assistants, who also functioned judicially as the Court of Assistants and as the upper house of the General Court.  After an interval during which the Council was appointed by the English Crown (1686-1689), under a revival of colonial government (1689-1692) and during the provincial and later Revolutionary periods (1692-1774, 1775-1780), the Council served in a dual capacity as legislative upper house and executive body.  In the latter role (from 1692 onward, but as well during 1686-1689), the Council had certain judicial functions, though fewer than its predecessor, the Court of Assistants.  Series includes public documents identified with the Council from 1686 onward (and a few related earlier items) in such a judicial role, including testimonies, depositions, writs, warrants, bonds, and divorce petitions.
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