"Here is a careful transcription of the document (retaining original spelling and style as much as possible, with uncertain or crossed-out portions noted):

Transcription:

Whereas [Rufus Wright] of resident of the town of Salem have this day applied to the undersigned being appointed and forming a board of Commissioners of Excise in and for said town for a license to sell strong and spirituous liquors and wines to be drunk at his dwelling house in said town where said [Rufus] proposes to keep an inn or tavern and we being satisfied that said [Rufus] is of good moral character that he is of sufficient ability to keep a tavern has the necessary accommodations to entertain travellers and that a tavern is absolutely necessary for the better accommodation of travellers at the place where he proposes to keep tavern as aforesaid And the said Rufus having executed the required bond with surety as is required

We do therefore grant to the said Rufus Wright the license by him applied for as aforesaid to be and remain in force until the first Monday of May next and no longer Given under our hands at Salem

March 13th 18[?]

Francis Wells
W. Adams
Jonathan Delamater

Supervisors
Justices"]]>