Scope and Contents From the Series: Series I. William Stearns (1754-1819) Papers contains correspondence, account books, and financial and legal papers. The records document William's apothecary and grocery store, and the shipping ventures in which he had a minor interest. Of note in the correspondence are letters concerning the 1791-1793 court case which William brought against the United States government. William sought compensation for the damage done to his father's Charlestown farm by...