United States v. George H. Robb
Item
United States V. George H. Robb. 1820, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 8, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60626
- Case Title
- United States v. George H. Robb
- Series
- Fur Trade
- Plaintiff
- United States of America
- Defendant
- Robb, George H.
- Date Filed
- 1820-07-31
- Filing Date
- 1820-07-31
- Defendant’s Attorney
- Barton, David
- Court Name
- St. Louis County Court
- Clerk
- Gamble, Archibald
- Justice of the Peace
- Guy, John R.
- Hall, S.
- Sheriff
- Simonds, John Jr.
- Sworn Declarant
- Hanly, Thomas
- Pilcher, Joshua
- Hempstead, Thomas
- Emmanuel, Michl
- Perkins, Joseph
- Richard, H.
- Simmonds, John R.
- Cause of Action
- Larceny
- Receiving Stolen Goods
- Case Notes
- Goods belonging to Missouri Fur Company included beaver and raccoon skins; Robb a shopkeeper; also mentioned George (slave of Manuel Lisa, deceased.)
- Identifier
- ccr1820.06175.036
- Source
- Missouri State Archives - St. Louis
- Rights
- Public Domain
- PDF Download
- Download PDF of all images
- Transcription
-
**United States v. John H. Robb**
---
**Page 1** (6175_001.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Search Warrant*
Territory of Missouri
County of S Louis
The United States of America
set To any canstable of said county
whereas information has this day been given
to me upon the oath of Joshua Pitcher and Thomas
[illegible] of S Louis that in the present month of July
[illegible] the following good, and chattles, to wit Eighteen
packs of beaver were by some person or persons unknown
[illegible] [illegible] taken, stolen, and carried
away, from the dwelling house of said Thomas Hemp
stead, in the county aforesaid, and that the said
Thomas Hempstead and Joshna Pitcher have
probable cause to suspect and do suspect that
the said goods on part thereof are concealed in
the dwelling house or store [illegible] the property of [illegible]
Earton and now occupied by Geroge A Robb
at St Louis in said county There are therefore, to
authorize and require you, with necessary and
proper assistants to enter in the day time into
the house of the said George H . Robb at
St Louis aforesaid in the county aforesaid, and
there diligently to search for the said goods and
if the same or any part therof shall be found
upon such search that you bring the goods so
found and also the body of the said George
H . Robb before me or some other Justice
of the peace, for said County, to be disposed of [illegible]
---
**Page 2** (6175_002.jpg)
dealt withal according to [illegible] given under my
hand and seal at St Louis in the said county
this 31st day of july in the year of our Lord eighteen
Hundred and twenty
*S. Hall [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excuted by
making dillagent[?]
serch and found
one pack of
rackoon[?] skins in
the stone of the
said G. H. Robb
Likewise the Body
of the said Robb
[illegible]
in custody before John R .Guy Esqr
for
*[illegible]
P. Simonds[?] [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Service*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 1.00 |
| Aresting Body | 50 |
| milage[?] | 10 |
| | $ 1.60 |
> *Legal Function: Unknown*
we the Jury on the case pending
---
**Page 3** (6175_003.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Search Warrant*
Territory of Missouri
County of St Louis
[illegible] u s of america
Whereas Thomas Hempstead and Joshua Pitcher
of the town of St Louis . hath this day given infor
mation upon oath to me John R. Guy a justice
of the peace wihtin and for the county aforesaid
that the following goods and chattles to wit,
eighteen pack of beaver skins containnig one
hundred pounds each worth four thousand
five hundred Dollars, and two pack of rackoon[?]
skins worth fifty Dollars each, together with
other peltries,[?] have within thirty five days last
part, by same person or persons unknown feloniously[?] taken stolen and carried away from
the house of Thomas Hempstead in the town of
Saint Louis and county of St Louis , and that
the said Thomas Hempstead and Joshua Pitcher
hath probable cause to suspect and doth suspect
that the said goods or part there of are concealed
in the dwelling house of George H Robb in the
town of Saint Louis , in said county. There and
therefore to with authorize and require your with
necessary and proper assistence to enter in the
day time into the said house of the said Geroge H
Robb , at St Louis aforesaid in the county aforesaid
and diligently search for the said and if
the same or any pack thereof shall be found
upon such search that you bring the goods so
found and also the body of the said Geo H Robb
before me or some other Justice of the peace within
and for said county to be disposed of and dealt withal
according to law
*given under my hand and seal this 1st day of
Augt 1820
John R Guy J P*
---
**Page 4** (6175_004.jpg)
---
**Page 5** (6175_005.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Plaintiff to Appear*
Teritory of missouri
County of St Louis
Ss U S of America
To the constable of St Louis township
Whereas Thomas Hempstead of St Louis hath this
day given information upon oath to me John
R Guy a Justice of the peace within and for the
county aforesaid that within thirty five days
last past, at the county aforesaid, diverse goods
and chattles of him the said Thomas Hempstead
to wit eighteen packs of beaver skins worth
four thousand five hundred dollars and
two packs of racoon skins worth one hundred
dollars were feloniously[?] stolen taken and
carried away from the house of him the said Thos
Hempstead , at the county aforesaid and that
he hath just cause to suspect and doth suspect
that George H Robb of St Louis merchant
felonious did steal take and carry away the
same or received the same Knowing them
to be stolen part being found in his [illegible]
There are therefore to command you
forthwith to appear [illegible] the said G H Robb
and bring him forthwith before me or
some other justice of the peace within
and for said county to [illegible]
and further to be dealt with according to law
*given under my hand this first
day of Augt 1920
John R Guy J.P.*
---
**Page 6** (6175_006.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
United States
vs
George H Robb
Excuted by bringing
the body of G H Robb
before J R Guy Esqr
Aug 1st 1820
*[illegible]
[illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Service*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 50 |
| milage[?] | 10 |
| | 60 |
---
**Page 7** (6175_007.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Witnesses to Appear*
St Louis county Ss To the constable of the township of St Louis
Summons Thomas Hanly W Walsh Thomas
Mc Knight & Thomas Brady that they be
and appear before me forthwith to give
such evidence as the know in a case then
depending wherein the United States is plaintff
and George H Robb Defendant
*given under my hand this 1st day
of augt 1820
John . R. Guy J.P.*
---
**Page 8** (6175_008.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Thos Hanly & W .
Walsh subpoenaed
the others not found
*S [illegible] for [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 25 |
| milage[?] | 10 |
| | 35 |
---
**Page 9** (6175_009.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Affidavit of Thomas Hanly*
Thomas Hanly examined
Witness says that he has always seen parcels
of furs hanging up in the store of Mr. Robb
Racoons, bear skins,- Witness has never seen
Mr Robb buy or sell furs of any description
Mr. Robb came to beat of witness' recollection
sometime during last fall shortly after he came
witness saw frequently racoon skins about
Mr Robbs store on his fences he has never
seen Mr Robb offer the furs for sale.
the racoon Skins were hanging in bunches
about his store he has never seen [illegible]
Mr Robb deal for furs with [illegible]
[illegible] witness was not in the habit of going frequently
into the Robbs store, witness has had
dealings with Robb and has always found
him correct & honest. Robb is generally
thought a quiet peacable citizen and [illegible]
witness has never heard [illegible] that
any suspicion
have been ever entertained of Robbs' honesty
*W Hanly*
> *Legal Function: Notarization*
Sworn to and signed before a
Justice of the peace within and for
the county of St Louis this 1st
day of Augt 1820
*John R. Guy J.P.*
---
**Page 10** (6175_010.jpg)
---
**Page 11** (6175_011.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Arrest Warrant*
Territory of Missouri
County of Saint Louis
Ss U S of America To the keeper of the jail of the said County
Whereas George H Robb a merchant of St Louis
hath him arrested and brought before me John R
Guy a Justice of the peace within and for said
county and charged upon the oath, of Joshua
Pilsher & Thomas Hempstead with having
received and in his possession stolen goods,
(to wit) one pack of racoon Skins.
These are thereofre to command you
that you receive the said George H Robb
into your custody in the jail of the said
County, then to remain until he be discharged therefrom by due course of law-
*Given under my hand and seal at
the said County. this second day of Augt
1820 John. R.Guy J.P.*
> *Legal Function: Affidavit*
Territory of Missouri
County of Saint Louis
Ss U.S. of America
Personally appeared before me John R Guy a
Justice of the peace within and for the county
aforesaid Joshna Pilsher & Thomas Hempestead [illegible]
being duly sworn according to Law state that one
pack of racoon skins was found in the [illegible]
of George,H, Robb , which was stolen from the dwelling of the said Thomas Hampstead, and which
Skins was the property of the Missouri Fur Company
*Given under my hand and seal this second
day of August 1820
John R. Guy J,P,*
---
**Page 12** (6175_012.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Notarization*
Witness in the within case who have been sworn and
Examined before me
*J.R.Guy J.P.
Thomas Hempstead
Joshua Pilsher
Thomas Hanly
Micheal [illegible]
[illegible]
E Curtis
Richard Campbell
William Walsh*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed By delivering
the Body of G.H Robb
to the sheriff August 2d
1820
*for J. Warren C
J .Simonds[?] for D.C*
> *Legal Function: Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 50 |
| milage[?] | 10 |
| | 60 |
---
**Page 13** (6175_013.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Recognizance*
Territory of Missouri
County of Saint Louis
Ss U S of America
We the undersigned acknowledge [illegible]
and each of us seperataly and apart form each
other in our proper persons to stand indebted to
the United States of America in the Sum of one
hundred dollars to believed [illegible] of each
of our goods and chattels lands and tenementsrespectively[?] upon the following conditions
The conditions of this recognizances is such
that if each of the undersigned so personally appear
at the next circuit court to be holden within
and for the county of Saint Louis on the first
Monday of the present month, then & there
so give such evidence as he knoweth on
behalf of the United States against a certain
George H Robb and certain charge of having
received stolen goods knowing them to have been
Stolen wherewith the said George H Robb is
charged and that neither he nor either of them
do depart with out the leave of said court
then these recognizance to be paid else to
remain in full force-
*Signed and acknowledged
before me a Justice of the
peace this 4th day of Augt
1820
John .R. Guy.[illegible] J.P. Joshua Pilcher Thos Hempstead
[illegible]M. Emmanuel [illegible]
Joseph Perkins
H Richard
John Simonds[?] jr*
---
**Page 14** (6175_014.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Search Warrant*
July 31st
[illegible]
*S.Halls J.P*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Issuance*
Warrant
issued
August 1st returned
forthwith
> *Legal Function: Search Warrant, part 2*
United States
vs
George H Robb
Warrant to search for stolen goods
returned to my office forthwith
with one pack of racoon Skins
and the body of the defendant in custody on [illegible]
examination the prisoner was required to give bail
in $ 200- but before he permitted the necessary bail
a warrant issued on the oath Thomas Hempstead
which caused further examination when Joshua
Pilcher Thomas Hempstead , [illegible] Micheal
[illegible] C Curtis R Campbell, [illegible] Hanly and Wm Walsh was sworn and examined after which the
prisoner was required to give bail in $ 1,500
but not being able to give bail was committed to
Jail August 2d 1820
I certify that the above is a correct transcript form
my docket of the proceeding in the above case
Augt. 4th 1820
*John. R. Guy J.P.*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Justice pas - | $ 7.62 1/2 |
| Constable - | 2.55 |
| | $ 10.17 1/2 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*
United States
vs
George H . Robb
---
**Page 15** (6175_015.jpg)
> *Legal Function: caption*
[illegible]
Joshua Pilcher
Thos . Hempstead
[illegible] E Samuel
Joseph P[illegible]
H Richmonds
[illegible] Simonds[?]
[illegible]
[illegible] Chouteau
A. Doyle
> *Legal Function: Indictment for Larceny and Receiving Stolen Goods*
August 1820
United States
vs
George H Robb
Indictment
for
larceny
and Receiving
stolen goods
A true bill
*Paul [illegible]
foreman
Pleads N.G.*
---
**Page 16** (6175_016.jpg)
---
**Page 17** (6175_017.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Criminal Complaint*
August Term 1820 [illegible]
St Louis County to wit:
The Jurirs[?] for the United States of America
[illegible] George H Robb late of the said
[illegible] on the first day of July in
[illegible] one thousand eight hundred and twenty
with force and arms, at the County of St Louis aforesaid
large quantity of Beaver skins, to wit eithteen packs of
Beaver Skins, of great value to wit of the value of the
hundred Dollars for each pack and also alarge quan-
tity of Rackoon skins to wit two packs of Rackoon
skin of great value to wit of the value of one hundred
dollars for each pack, of the goods and chattles[?] of cer-
tain person, using the style and firm of "The Missouri
Fur Company " but whose Particular names are to the Jury
aforesaid as yet unknown,) then and there being found, fe-
loniously did[?] steal, take, and carry away, contrary to the
form of the Statute in such case made and provides
against the place and dignity of the United States of
America
And the Sworn aforesaid upon their oath aforesaid do
further present that the said George H Robb on the first day
of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and twenty, with force and arms, at St Louis in the county afore
said, unlawfully and unjustly did receive and have, a large quantity of Beaver skin, to wit eighteen packs of Beaver skin, of great value to wit of the value of three hun
dred dollars for each Pack, and a large quantity of rac-oon[?]
skins, to wit two Packs of [illegible] racoon skins, of great value to wit of the value of one hundred dollars foreach pack of the goods and chattels of certain [illegible]
[illegible] the name and style of "the Missouri Fur Company "
but whose particular names are to the to the jurors aforesaid
---
**Page 18** (6175_018.jpg)
yet unknown) then lately before “
and carried away, by [illegible] George ,, the [illegible]
skin, he the said George H Robb , then and [illegible]
knowing the same to be stolen and unlawfully
contrary to theh form of the statute in such [illegible]
and provided and against the [illegible]
United States of America
[illegible]
---
**Page 19** (6175_019.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Witnesses to Appear*
Territory of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of S Louis county-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Aron Daniels Thomas
[illegible] Thomas M Knight Thomas Hanly
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit court, on the forthwith day of at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court,wherein the United States are plaintiffs,
and George H Robb is defendant on the
part of the Defendant and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , clerk of our said circuit court,at the
town of St.Louis , this tenth day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty and of
the Independence of the United States the forty fifth
A Gamble Clerk, St . L .C.C.*
---
**Page 20** (6175_020.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excecuted this write
on Thos Brady
by leaving a copy
hereof with his
wife on the 10th
August on Thos
Hanly & Aaron
Daniel same
day all in St .
Louis Thos Mc
-Knight not found
*John K Walker
Dshff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 99 |
| non est | 50 |
| travel | 6 |
| | $ 1.55 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*
U. S
vs
Robb
for
*Aron Daniels
Thos [illegible]
Thos McKnight
Thos Hanly
forthwith for
Defts*
---
**Page 21** (6175_021.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Peter Bland to Appear on the Part of Defendant*
Missouri Territory,
St. Louis County.
ss. The United States of
America , to the sheriff of said county-Greeting.
We command you to attach Peter Bland
if he may be found within your bailiwick and bring him
forthwith before the judge of our circuit court now setting at the
town of St. Louis , within and for the county of St. Louis , then there
to answer unto the United States of America , touching a certain
contempt by him committed in not attending as a witness in
the case of United States
plaintiff and George H Robb
defendant, on the part of the Defendant after being
legally summoned by the sheriff of said county, and have you then
there this writ.
*Witness A Gamble clerk of our
said court, at the town of St. Louis , this 10th
day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty . and
of our independence the forty fifth
Archibald Gamble clk*
---
**Page 22** (6175_022.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
United States
vs [illegible]
George
H Robb
for
Peter Bland
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excuted and
have Peter Bl-and[?] in court
10th August
1820
*John K Walker
Dshff [illegible]
[illegible] $ 1.80*
---
**Page 23** (6175_023.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Bernard Pratte to Appear on the Part of Plaintiff*
Territory Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.
The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of S Louis county-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Bernard Pratte
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit court, on the forthwith day of at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of cortroversy now pending in our said
court,wherein United States are plaintiffs
and George H Robb defendant on the
part of the plantiffs and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , clerk of our said circuit court,at the
town of St.Louis , this 10th day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty day of
the of Independence of the United States the forty fifth
A Gamble Clerk, St . L .C.C.*
---
**Page 24** (6175_024.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excuted this writ
on Bermant Pratte August 10th
1820 in St Louis
*John K Walker
Dshff
Servive & travel 37 1/2*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
United States
vs
Geo H Robb
for plaintiffs
forthwith
*Bernard Pratte*
---
**Page 25** (6175_025.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Witnesses to Appear on the Part of Plaintiff*
Territory Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.
The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of S Louis county - Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Pierrie Chouteau Junr[?] Hipolite Papin[?] & Anthony Doyle
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit Court on the forthwith day of at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein United States are plaintiff
and George H Robb is defendant on the
part of the Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit court, at the
town of St. Louis , this 10th day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty day of
the Independence of the United States the forty fifth A Gamble Clerk, St . L . C. C.*
---
**Page 26** (6175_026.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Unexecuted Summons*
United States
vs
George H Robb
for plaintiff
*Pierre Chouteau jr.
Hipolite[?] Papin
Anthony Doyle
forthwith*
> *Legal Function: Caption*
Peirre Chouteau Jr .
Anthony Doyle
& Hipolite[?]
Papin not
found
*John K Walker
D Shff
3 Non est $ 1.50*
---
**Page 27** (6175_027.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Joseph Navares and Patrick M. Dillon to Appear on the Part of Defendant*
Territory Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.
The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of S Louis county - Greeting.
YOU are hereby commanded to summon Joseph Navares &
Patrick M Dillon
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit Court on the forthwith day of at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein United States are plaintiff,
and George H Robb is defendant on the
part of the Defendant and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gambel, Clerk of our said Circuit court, at the
town of St. Louis , this 10th day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty day of
the Independence of the United States the forty fifth A Gamble Clerk, St . L .C.C.*
---
**Page 28** (6175_028.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this writ
on Joseph Navares
on the 10th day of
August 1820 in
the town of St
Louis
*Patrick M Dillon
not found*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 33 |
| travel | 6 |
| Nonest | 50 |
| | 89 cts |
> *Legal Function: Caption*
United States
[illegible]
George H Robb
for Defendant
forthwith
*Joseph Navares
Patrick M Dillon*
---
**Page 29** (6175_029.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Witnesses to Appear on the Part of Plaintiffs*
Territory of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.
The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of St Louis county--Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Cyrus William Curtis
William Loucian[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit court, on the forthwith day of at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of cortroversy now pending in our said
court, wherein the United States are plaintiffs
and George H Robb is defendant on the
part of the Plaintiffs and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , clerk of our said circuit court,at the
town of St.Louis , this eleventh day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty and of
the Independence of the United States the forty fifth
A GamblerClerk, St . L .C.C.*
---
**Page 30** (6175_030.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
U . States
vs
Geo H Robb
for
*Cyrus Curtis
William Loucian[?]
forthwith for
Plaintiffs*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Excuted this
writ on Cyrus
curtis on the
11th August
1820 Lucian
not found
*John K Walker
D Shff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 33 |
| nonset | 50 |
| travel | 3 |
| | 86 cts |
---
**Page 31** (6175_031.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Witnesses to Appear on the Part of Plaintiff*
Territory Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.
The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of St Louis county--Greeting.
YOU are hereby commanded to summon Joseph Robideau[?]
&[?] Frances Robideau[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit court, on the forthwith day of at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of cortroversy now pending in our said
court, wherein the u States are plaintiff,
and George H Robb is defendant on the
part of the Pltf and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , clerk of our said circuit court,at the
town of St.Louis , this eleventh day of augt in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty day of
the Independence of the United States the forty fifth
A Gambler Clerk, St . L .C.C.*
---
**Page 32** (6175_032.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
[illegible]
U . States
vs
Geo H Robb
for
*Joseph Robideau[?]
Frs Robideau[?]
forthwith
Plaintiffs*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Service*
Served this writ
on Francis Ro[?]-
bidoux on
the 11th August
1820 Josh. Robidoux[?] not
found
*John K Walker
D Shff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 33 |
| non est | 50 |
| trouel | 3 |
| | 86[?] cts |
---
**Page 33** (6175_033.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Writ and Summons for Witnesses to Appear on the Part of Plaintiff*
Territory Of Missouri ,
County of St. Louis , sct.
The United States of America ,
To the Sheriff of S Louis county--Greeting.
YOU are hereby commanded to summon John Compbell Bernard
Pratte . Peirre Chouteau Jr .
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit Court on the forthwith day of [illegible] at the town of St. Louis ,
then and there to testify and the truth to say in a certain matter of controversy now pending in our said
court, wherein The United States are plaintiffs,
and George H Robb is defendant on the
part of the Plaintiff and have you then there this writ.
*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said Circuit court, at the
town of St. Louis , this Eleventh day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty day of
the Independence of the United States the forty fifth A Gamble Clerk, St. L . C. C.*
---
**Page 34** (6175_034.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*
U . States
vs
Geo H Robb
for
*John Compbell
Bernard Pratte
Peirre Chouteau Jr
forthwith for
Plaintiffs*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*
Executed this
writ on John
Campbell Pierre
Chouteau Jr
& Benard Pratte
on the 11th Aug
1820
St Louis
*John K Walker
D Shff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*
| | |
|---|---|
| Service | 99 |
| travel | 6 |
| | $ 1.05 |
---
**Page 35** (6175_035.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Motion for a New Trial*
Geo. H. Robb
ads
United States
Reasons for a new trail
1st Because the verdit is without
and contrary to evidanced and against law.
2. The whole jury did not agree to the [illegible]
3. The [illegible] evidence given showed that
the name of the Missouri fur company
were known not unknown; & on that
the prisoner was entilled to an acquittal
4. The jury was misdirected in this court
they were instructed that the alleged owners of the
property were sufficiently described as “The
Missouri fur company," altho their "particular
names” were known & proved on the trail.
5. They were also missidirected in this they were
charged that “the finding of stolen property
in Defendants possession in the absence of other
circumstanses, rendered it the duty of the
jury to convict on it of the charge of theft
6. The property was not identified nor proven
to belong to the “fur company”
7. The first verdict of the jury was an acquittal in
law. Reasons in arrest of judgment
1 There is a misjoinder of a court for felony
---
**Page 36** (6175_036.jpg)
& one for a misdemeanor
2 The names of the Missouri fur company
are not stated in the Indictment
3 The proceedings are under the Territory of
Missouri , whereas they ought to have been under
the state concluding against the peace & of the
United States .
*D. Barton for Deft*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Filing*
Geo H. Robb
vs
Reasons for a
new trail [illegible] arrest
United States
filed augt 14th
1820
*A Gamble clk*
United States V. George H. Robb. 1820, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 8, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60626