Sevier, John (1745-1815) [Affidavit of innocence]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02606 Author/Creator: Sevier, John (1745-1815) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document Date: 11 May 1805 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32.5 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Affidavit prepared for Tennessee Governor John Sevier as defendant in a case against Jenkin Whiteside. Co-signed by James Sevier as clerk that the contents of the affidavit were "sworn in Open Court." The case Jenkin Whiteside v. John Sevier revolved around money lost in a card game. This legal document states that Sevier was intoxicated at the time when he signed a promissory note. Says that Matthew Atkinson, a subscribing witness, can attest to the situation. Claims he never got any "Consideration" for the said bill and that the transaction was fraudulent. Says that after an investigation no jury would see otherwise.
Whiteside was U.S. Senator from Tennessee 1809-1811.
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