Presents

This word signifies the writing then actually made and spoken of; as, these presents; know all men by these presents; to all to whom these presents shall come.

Present letters or instrument

A word in a deed signifying the deed itself, which is expressed by the phrase " these presents." It is especially used in a deed-poll, which immediately from the Latin prcesentes, which was used with literm, as formal words of description in the old conveyances. Omnibus ad quos prsesentes literae pervenerint, saluiem, — to all to whom the present letters shall come, greeting. The word literce was sometimes suppressed; thus, paleat unioersis per prsesentes. This led to the use of prcesentes as a substantive, and ultimately to the English word presents, in its plural form: "know all men by these presents."