The Official Story
Chapter 4
More suits and countersuits
Henry Sewall appealed to the higher court in Pownalboro. When he was denied a continuance, he finally paid the fine to Foster.
The Sewalls then took Foster to court.
Henry Sewall's diary entries for April 26 and May 1, 1788 show that Henry's cousin Thomas Sewall, who'd rented a house to the Fosters, sued Isaac Foster for back rent. He won the case and collected three shillings plus costs.
Again, the situation escalated. Take a look at Henry Sewall's diary eight days after Thomas Sewall won his case. You can see that Isaac Foster turned around and sued Henry and Thomas Sewall for defamation -- for a second time. This time, Henry paid a Mr. Blake three dollars and two thousand wooden shingles "to procure evidence against Mr. Foster.". Several weeks later, Mr. Blake returned with depositions
Table of Contents
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May 24 through May 31, 1788
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May, 1788 Hallowell. |
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to Thomas Rice, Jedediah Jewel
and George Thatcher esquires. I concluded to stand on legal ground. |
Sunday
25. |
Met at my house. |
Monday
26. |
Fair weather -- which is very agreeable
after a long spell of wet --.
Selectmen, Constable &c. met at the meetghouse
& chose two grand jurors, & drew two petit jurors for the Supreme
Court. |
Tuesday
27. |
Sent a list of the Marriages solemnized
by Mr. Foster (as his return to me) to Esq. Bowman -- as the
law directs -- and 1/8 for his fee for recording the same. |
Wedsday
28. |
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Thursday
29. |
Recd. a line from Mr.
Bridge. Attorney for Lewis Walder in his action against Mr. Foster
concerning a note -- enclosing subpenas to sundry persons in this town.
Delivered them. |
Friday 30. |
Mr. Blake returned with the deposition of
two of the Committee for procuring preaching in the town of Mendon, respecting
Mr. Foster's preaching there. |
Saturday
31. |
One Dr. Emerson came
here last night to board.
John Sewall here. |
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