Scope and Content: By the agreement between Massachusetts and New York signed in Hartford on Dec. 16, 1786, New York was awarded total sovereignty over extensive disputed lands west of the Hudson River, with Massachusetts retaining right of preemption to purchase such lands from the Indians. (See: Massachusetts. Office of the Secretary of State. Agreement between Massachusetts and New York relating to western lands, 1784-1793 ((M-Ar)31X).)  This right of preemption was sold to various third parties in the years following the agreement, as the Massachusetts treasury was in a depleted state because of debts incurred from the Revolutionary War and Shays’ Rebellion.  Sale was ordinarily in the form of a bond, accounts of redemption payments for which were kept by the state treasurer.
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