LETTER FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, ACCOMPANYING THE REPORT ON THE PETITION OF SUNDRY INHABITANTS OF THE COUNTY OF ST. CLAIR, IN THE TERRITORY NORTH-WEST OF THE RIVER OHIO. 10TH MAY, 1796. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
[Philadelphia: Francis Childs? 1796]. 8pp, disbound, blank inner margin of title silked, last leaves silked. Light wear. Good+.
A scarce printed item, "Concerning the impending trial of Judge George Turner on charges of misconduct brought by citizens of St. Clair County" [ESTC]. The Virginian Lee, brother of Lighthorse Harry Lee, was the third U.S. Attorney General. Appointed by President Washington, he served through the end of the Adams administration. Here Lee urges that Judge Turner be haled "by information or indictment before the supreme court" of the Northwest Territory for his "oppressions and gross violations of private property, under colour of his office."
The charges in the accompanying petition include Turner's removing the seat of court 66 miles, "the extremity of the population of the county, and compelling a great number of the good people of this county to attend thereat, as well suitors, as jurors and civil officers of the county." This exposed "families to the ravages of the hostile Indian" and substantial expense. Turner also allegedly imposed "heavy fines," levied forfeitures "of the property of citizens quietly travelling on the Ohio," hindered conveyances of property, and seized intestate estates. Turner resigned his office.
FIRST EDITION. Evans 31429. ESTC W5490 [Harvard, Brown, Yale, Boston Athenaeum, AAS]. Not in Cohen. Item #21365
Price: $500.00