Theron Metcalf, The Revised Statutes of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Passed November 4, 1835; to Which are Subjoined, an Act in Amendment Thereof, and an Act Expressly to Repeal the Acts Which are Consolidated Therein, Both Passed in February 1836; and to Which are Prefixed, the Constitutions of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Page 750, Image 764 (1836) available at The Making of Modern Law: Primary Sources.

Of Proceedings to Prevent the Commission of Crimes, § 16. If any person shall go armed with a dirk, dagger, sword, pistol, or other offensive and dangerous weapon, without reasonable cause to fear an assault or other injury, or violence to his person, or to his family or property, he may, on complaint of any person having reasonable cause to fear an injury, or breach of the peace, be required to find sureties for keeping the peace, for a term not exceeding six months, with the right of appealing as before provided.