from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
ANCIENT WRITINGS, evidence. Deeds, wills, and other writings more than
thirty years old, are considered ancient writings. They may in general be
read in evidence, without any other proof of their execution than that they
have been in the possession of those claiming rights under them. Tr. per
Pais, 370; 7 East, R. 279; 4 Esp. R. 1; 9 Ves. Jr. 5; 3 John. R. 292; 1 Esp.
R. 275; 5 T. R. 259; 2 T. R. 466; 2 Day's R. 280. But in the case of deeds,
possession must have accompanied them. Plowd. 6, 7. See Blath. Pres. 271, n.
(2.)