They Stole Eleazar's Shirt

WHEN Chloe, the first Wheelock's slave, left her master's shirt out on the fence to dry, it was appropriated by some light-fingered gentleman. Court proceedings were at once instituted and Eleazar as constable searched the suspected house in vain though armed with the warrant here reproduced. But the wily Eleazar then proceeded to collect two shillings from the court for his services as search constable, and the two shillings easily paid for the making of another shirt. Thus loss was turned to profit.

CHLOE COMPLAINS Grafton Ss. To Bezaleel Woodward Esq. one of the Justices of the peace for said county complains Chloe negro of Hanover in said county and on her oath complainsThat being possessed of a certain man's shirt made of Freysian Sheeting with flaps eeked with dark colour tow cloth, hanging on a fence near the house where said Chloe now lives in said Hanover on the night next following the 21st instant some person or persons to this Complainant unknown with force and arms not having the fear of God before their eyes and being moved by the instigation of the Devil did felloniously take from thence and carry away said shirt, the property of this Complainant-—and that she hath probable cause to suspect and doth suspect that said shirt is concealed in the dwelling house now occupied by Andrew Boynton in said Hanover, against the peace and dignity of the State. She therefore prays a warrant to search for said shirt and if it be found in the house of said Boynton that he, his wife, and daughter Naomi may be examined touching the premises and dealt with according to Law. Hanover July 24th, 1786 Sworn to on the day above written Hi Coram—BEZA. WOODWARD, Just. Pacis

THE WARRANT Grafton Ss, The State of New Hampshire to the Sheriff of said County, his Deputy or either of the Constables of Hanover in said County: GreetingComplaint having been made on oath as above You are hereby required to make diligent search for the shirt above described in the house of said Boynton and if you find it there that you take it into your custody and likewise have the said Andrew before me or some other Justice of the peace for said County that he may be examined touching the premises and dealt with as to law & justice appertainsWitness Bezaleel Woodward Esq. at Hanover in said County, July 24th, 1786.

Beaza. Woodward Just. Pacis

ELEAZAB IS BAFFLED Hanover 24th, July 1786. Pursuant to the within Warrant I have thoroughly searched the house occupied by the within named Boynton and cannot find the within named & described shirt. Fees 2/Const'ble paid

E. Wheelock, Constable

Comp't and Warrant, Knox vs. Boynton, July 24th, 1786

ELEAZAR'S AUTHORITY

COMPLAINT AND WARRANT