Elizabeth City County Court Records, 6 September 1763

This manuscript in Wythe's handwriting is in the Thomas Addis Emmet collection at the New York Public Library's Manuscripts and Archives Division. Dr. Thomas A. Emmet (1828 – 1919) was a surgeon and a collector of American Revolutionary War manuscripts, with a particular interest in signers of the Declaration of Independence. Emmet's collection was donated to the New York Public Library in 1896.

The document seems to have been part a larger work, and was probably cut for Wythe's signature. One side is signed by Wythe "At a Court held for Elizabeth City County, September 6th, 1763," but it is unclear if the text on the reverse is from the same date, or earlier or later.

Fragment from Elizabeth City County court records, in George Wythe's handwriting. Image courtesy of the New York Public Library.

The fragment contains many abbreviations, strike-outs, and shorthand. It is most likely a portion of a page from a court minute book for Elizabeth City County, Virginia (now Hampton), and mentions William Michell (or Mitchell) being sworn in as a constable to replace William Moore; a deed from John and Katherine Yeargain; and accounting for the estates of Robert Manson and Joseph Cooper by John Patrick and James Balfour, respectively. In addition to Wythe, also listed as being present are Walter McClurg, Wilson Miles Cary, Sr., George Walker (possibly Wythe's cousin), and James Balfour.

George Wythe was a Justice of the Peace for Elizabeth City County in 1763.

Document text, 1763

Page 1

Fragment from Elizabeth City County court records, with George Wythe's signature, dated September 6, 1763. Image courtesy of the New York Public Library.

[manuscript cut]

be discharged by the Paym^t. of £1.8 w^t Int^t. from 28 April 1763 til paid Costs.

Sa: 6^th June 1764 — Fil[?]: Fa[?]: ifs^d[?] 13 July 1764.

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Webster & [???] vs Casey Pel^o:[?] Jud^t. for £4.13 to be disch^d: by Paym^t: of £2.6.6 w^th Int. from 18 Jan^ry: 1761 til paid & Costs.

6 this[?] Fees 50 sh. 30.

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Shepard vs Bean [struck out] Jud^t: confessed & the Denial[?] to be assessed by a Jury

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* Balfour vs Jenings Adm^[?] Al:^[?]:Cap:

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* King vs Massenburg &c — C:O: vs Def^ts: & Sev.[?]

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John Patricks Account acq^[?]: Robert Manson Orphan which was Exam^d: & Sworn & Order'd to be recorded

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M^r James Balfours Account acq^[?]: the Estate of Joseph Cooper Orphan w^ch was Examined & Sworn to & Order'd to be recorded — pres^t: Walter McClurg Gent.

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[manuscript shaved]

Page 2

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W^m: Michell is was Sworn Constable of the Town of Hampton in the Room of W^m Moore who is sworned who is discharged

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A Deed from John Yeargain & Katherine his Wife to Tho^s: Lattimer together with the Receipts endorsed were Ack^d: & Order'd to be Recorded previous to w^ch: the said — Katherine was privately examined and freely consented.

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Court adj^d: til Court in Course
G. Wythe

At a Court held for Eliz^h. County _^^September the 6^th: 1763. Pres^t: George Wythe, Wilson Miles Cary, George Walker & James Balfour Gent.