Elizabeth City County Court Records, 6 September 1763
This manuscript fragment is in the Thomas Addis Emmet collection at the New York Public Library's Manuscripts and Archives Division. Dr. Thomas Emmet (1828 – 1919) was a surgeon and a collector of revolutionary-era American manuscripts, with an interest in signers of the Declaration of Independence. Emmet's collection was donated to the New York Public Library in 1896.
The manuscript appears to has been part a larger work, and was probably cut for Wythe's signature. One side is dated "At a Court held for Elizabeth City County, September 6th, 1763," but it's unclear if the minutes on the reverse are from the same date, earlier, or later.
The minutes are signed by "G. Wythe," and appears to be in Wythe's handwriting. It is most likely a portion of a page from a court minute book from 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, and James Balfour.[1]
Document text, 1763
Page 1
[manuscript cut]
be discharged by the Paymt. of £1.8 wt Int.t from 28 April 1763 til paid Costs.
:Sa: 6th June 1764 — Fil[?]: Fa[?]: ifsd 13 July 1764.
Webster & [???] vs Casey Pelo: Judt. for £4.13 to be dischd: by Paymt: of £2.6.6 wth Int. from 18 Janry: 1761 til paid & Costs.
6 this Fees 50 sh. 30.
Shepard vs Bean Judt: confessed & the Denial[?] to be assessed by a Jury
* Balfour vs Jenings Adm[?] Al:[?]:Cap:
* King vs Massenburg &c — C:O: vs Defts: & Sev.[?]
John Patricks Account acq[?]: Robert Manson Orphan which was Examd: & Sworn & Order'd to be recorded
Mr James Balfours Account acq[?]: the Estate of Joseph Cooper Orphan wch was Examined & Sworn to & Order'd to be recorded — prest: Waller McClurg Gent.
[manuscript cut]
Page 2
Wm: Michell is was Sworn Constable of the Town of Hampton in the Room of Wm Moore who is sworned who is discharged
A Deed from John Yeargain & Katherine his Wife to Thos: Lattimer together with the Receipts endorsed were Ackd: & Order'd to be Recorded previous to wch: the said — Katherine was privately examined and freely consented.
Court adjd: til Court in Course G. Wythe
At a Court held for Elizh. County ^September the 6th: 1763.
Prest: George Wythe, Wilson Miles Cary, George Walker & James Balfour Gent.- ↑ A similar record with Wythe's signature is in the minute book for Elizabeth City County courts, and is reproduced in "Elizabeth City County Records," William and Mary Quarterly 20, no. 3 (January 1912), 172-173.
