Newcastle v. Haywood

This is an action of trespass for breaking and entering the plaintiffs’ close and carrying away a sign-board inscribed, “ Public Landing, Free for All.” The defendant justified as the servant of his wife, who was alleged to have been in possession of the premises described in the writ. Subject to the defendant’s exception, the plaintiffs put in evidence their charter from William and Mary dated May 30, 1693, which, among other things, gave to the men and inhabitants of the town of Newcastle “ all streets, lanes, and highways within the said town for the public use and service of the men and…