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

What did Martha have to say about these suits?



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 Foster sues the Sewalls
     
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 The Rev. Mr. Foster's relation with the town was steadily deteriorating...

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Henry Sewall's Diary
Sewall, Henry
1776 - 1842		 View Image
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May 1 through May 10, 1788

  

  May, 1788         Hallowell.
Thursday 1. Mr. Page & I attended making rates in the morning -- Heard the trial of Mr.T. Sewall against Mr. I. Foster, before Genl Lithgow. Sewall recovered 3/ debt, and 3/6 costs.
Friday 2. Went to the Hook and returned.
Saturday 3. Ploughed my garden.
Sunday 4. Rainy day. No meeting.
Monday 5. Meeting for the choice of Representative. Dr. Cony was chosen.
Tuesday 6. Rode to Vassalboro' & Winston to collect Excise -- finding the riding very bad, & the Horse I rode, pittiful about swimming, concluded not to go any further up. Returned & lodged at Colo. Pattee's
Wedsday 7. Returned home, to dinner.
Thursday 8.  
Friday 9. T. Sewall and myself were sued by Mr. Foster for defamation. Laid in the writs at 500 £each. Mr. Solo. Parker left a summons, & copy of the writ.
Saturday 10. Got. Mr. Blake to go to Mendon to procure evidence against Mr. Foster -- gave him 3 dols. in money -- two thousd. shingles, a letter to Genl Heath for 2 dols. more in case of emergency. He took papers to Capt. Maxwell.