United States v. William Easdale

Item

United States V. William Easdale. 1819, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 7, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60628

Full Text: See images and transcription side by side
Case Title: United States v. William Easdale
Series: Fur Trade
Plaintiff: United States of America
Defendant: Easdale, William
Date Filed: 1820
Filing Date: 1820
Defendant’s Attorney: Barton
Court Name: St. Louis Circuit Court
Court Term: 1820-08
Clerk: Gamble, Archibald
Justice of the Peace: Guy, John R.
Sheriff: Warner, J.; Simonds, J. Jr.; Walker, John K.; McGirk, Isaac C.; Brown, Joseph C.
Sworn Declarant: Preston, Robert; Hempstead, Thomas; Simonds, John Jr.; Michl E.; Perkins, Joseph; Richards, Hugh; White, Joseph; Pilcher, Joshua; Ferguson, Peter; Anderson, Paul; Chouteau, Jr.; Beebe, Elisha J.
Jury Foreman: Clemmons, James
Cause of Action: Receiving Stolen Goods; Larceny
Case Notes: Goods include beaver and raccoon skins belonging to Missouri Fur Company; also mentioned George (slave of Manuel Lisa, deceased).
Related Court Case Number: 6177
Related Project ID: ccr1820.06177.042
Identifier: ccr1820.06178.052
Source: Missouri State Archives - St. Louis
Rights: Public Domain
PDF Download: Download PDF of all images
Transcription: **United States v. William Easdale**

---

**Page 1** (6178_001.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Warrant to Arrest William Easdale and Search his Dwelling*

Territory of Missouri County of St. Louis Ss. U S. of America
To the [illegible] of St Louis township
Whereas Thomas Hempstead & Joshua Pilcher[?] of the town 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 of St. Louis that a quantity of Beaver Racoon Skins &c have within thirty five days last past by
some person or persons unknown been [illegible] feloniously taken stolen and carried away[?] from the house of Thos Hempstead in the town[?] of St. Louis & county of St. Louis and that the said Thos Hempstead & Joshua Pilcher[?] hath probably cause to suspect and doth suspect that the said goods or a part thereof are concealed in the stable or [illegible] House of William Esdale
in the town of St. Louis in said county. these are there-
fore to authorise and[?] [illegible] you with necessary and proper assistance to enterin the day time into the stable & [illegible]
house of the said William Esdale at St. Louis aforesaid in the
County aforesaid and there diligently search for the said and if
the same or any part thereof shall be found upon such search that you bring the [illegible] so found and also the [illegible]
of the said Wm Esdale before me or some other justice of the
peace within and for said county to be [illegible] of and dealt
with according to law-
Given under my hand & seal this 1st day of August 1820

*John R. Guy JP[?]*

---

**Page 2** (6178_002.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

United States vs William Easdel
[illegible]
Executed the within by making
Dillegant search[?] and found a
quantity of Beaver supposed to
be about three hundred lbs weight a part of the skins being
identified by marks which
were known by Pilcher[?] one
skin marked this [illegible] in
Black, the whole of which
were found in the [illegible] House of [illegible]- [illegible] the counting House of Wm Easdel Likewise the body of the
said Easdel in custody

*for J Warner [illegible] J. Simonds for D.C.[?]*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 100 |
| Aresting Body[?] | 50 |
| travel | 10 |
| | $ 1.60[?] |

---

**Page 3** (6178_003.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Regarding the Bail of Robert Watt, William O'Neil William Easdale*

Know all men by these [illegible] that we William Esdale [illegible] [illegible] & Robert Watt are held and
[illegible] bound un[?]to the United States of America
in the sum of fifteen hundred Dollars
for the payment of which said sum of money well and [illegible] to be made [illegible] to each of us
seperatley[?] and apart from each other [illegible]
ourselves our heirs [illegible]
and assigns by these presents
now the condition of these [illegible]
is such that if the above named William Esdale do appear at the Circuit Court & or the
County of St. Louis on the first monday
in August 1820 to St louis [illegible] [illegible] on
a certain charge of having recieved stolen[?] goods
the property of the [illegible]
than these[illegible] to be paid otherwise to
[illegible] in full forse[?] and effect in law, in [illegible] whereof we have here unto set our hand and seals this first day of August eighteen hundred and twenty

*signed and acknowledged before me a justice of the peace within and for the county of St. Louisthe oath above written John.R. Guy. Wm Easdale Wm M ONeil[?] [illegible] Robert Watts*

---

**Page 4** (6178_004.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

William Esdale bond $ 1500,

---

**Page 5** (6178_005.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Security of Witnesses*

Territory of Missouri County of St. Louis SS US of America
We the undersigned acknowledge ourselves and each of us seperately[?] and apart from each
other in proper persons to stand indebted to the United States of America in the sum of
one hundred dollars to be [illegible] severally of each
of our goods and chattles[?], lands and tenaments[?] [illegible] upon the following conditions[?]
The conditions[?] of this regonizances[?] is such
that if each of the undersigned do personally
appear at the next circuit court [illegible] beholden
within and for the county of Saint Louis on the first monday of the present month
[illegible] & there to give such evidence as he knoweth on behalf[?] of the United States against a certain William Esdale on a certain charge of having received stolen goods knowing them to hve been stolen wherewith[?] the said Willaim Esdale[?] is charged
and that neither he nor either of them do depart
without the leave of said court. then these recognizance to be said. Else to remain in full force.

*Signed and acknowledged
before me a justice of the
peace this 4th Aug 1820 John. R. Guy JP[?] Joshua Pilcher[?] Thos Hemptstead[?] John Simonds Jr .[?] Michl E.[?] [illegible] Joseph Perkins H Richards Joseph Joseph White [illegible]*

---

**Page 6** (6178_006.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Record of Arraignment of William Easdale*

United States
vs William Esdale
Aug. 1st [illegible] forthwith
Warrant to search for stolen goods
Returned forthwith and about 300 lbs
of beaver skins found in the [illegible]
of the defendents[?] and body in custody
Joshua Pilsher , Thos Hempstead , Michael[?] [illegible] Hugh Richards, Ephraim [illegible] J White, Robert [illegible]
Andrew Thompson and John Simmonds Jr were sworn[?] and examined- after which the [illegible]
required to give bail in $ 1500 A, Beck Robert White Bail -
I certify that the above is a correct transcript of
the the proceeding in the above case as had before
August 4th 1820

*John R. Guy JP[?]*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Justice Fees - | $ 5.77 1/2 |
| [illegible] - | 2.47 1/2 / |
| | \$8.25 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*

United States vs William Esdale
witness [illegible]

---

**Page 7** (6178_007.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for James B. Pearman*

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 sumon James B . Pearman
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our circuit curt on the eighth day of August 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 William Easdale is defendant on the part of the defendant and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at the town of St. Louis , this [illegible] 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 Archibald Gamble Clerk, St. L . C. C.*

---

**Page 8** (6178_008.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

United States
[illegible]
Wm Easdale
for Defendant

*James B . Pearman 8th August 1820*
> *Legal Function: Notation of Sheriff*

james B Pearman
not found in

*John R Walker DShff
Non Est .5 cents*

---

**Page 9** (6178_009.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for John Preston and Andrew Thompson*

County of St. louis ss To the constable of St Louis county
Summon Robert Preston & Andrew Thompson that the [illegible] appear before me
forthwith to give[?] [illegible]
came to his knowlege[?] in a case [illegible] depending where in the United States [illegible]
plaintiff and William Esdale defendant
on the part of the United States

*given under my hand this 1st August 1820 John R Guy J P*

---

**Page 10** (6178_010.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed to [illegible]

*forthwith [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 25 |
| milage[?] | 10 |
| [illegible] | 35 |

---

**Page 11** (6178_011.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for J.L. Armorel, R. Haldemon and J. White Hutter*

County of St louis ss. To the constatble of St louis township
Summon J L Armorel R Haldeman J White Hutter that they be and appear before
me forthwith to to give evidence in a case
that depending in which the United State
is plaintiff and Mr. Esdal defendent on the
part of the defendent

*Given under my hand this 1st Augt 1828 John R. Guy J.P.*

---

**Page 12** (6178_012.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Subpoena
U.S.
vs
Mr Easdel
J L Armaorle
P Halderman
J White
Executed to attend
forthwith
Aug. 1st 1820

*[illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Services | 34 1/2 |
| Milage | 15 |
| | 52 1/2 |

---

**Page 13** (6178_013.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Indictment of William Esdale*

August 1820
United States
vs
Wm Easdale
Stolen goods [illegible]
A [illegible]
Paul [illegible]
foreman
Plead not guilty

*Witness Joshua Pilcher[?] Thos Hempstead[?] Jos Perkins Hugh Richards Jos White [illegible] John Simonds[?] [illegible] Peter Ferguson Elisha J Beebe Peter Paul Anderson Robert Preston [illegible] Chouteau Jr[?] [illegible]*

---

**Page 14** (6178_014.jpg)

---

**Page 15** (6178_015.jpg)
> *Legal Function: The Grand Jury's Findings Concerning William Esdale*

In Circuit Court
August term 1820
St St. Louis county to wit. The Jurors for the
United States of America upon their oath
present that William Easdale late of the
said county of St. Louis stable [illegible] on the
first day of July in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred an twenty, with [illegible]
and arms, at the county of St. Louis aforesaid
a large quantity of beaver skins, [illegible] eigh-
teen
packs of beaver skins, of great value, to wit
of the value of three hundred dollars [illegible]
pack of the goods and chattels
person using the name and style of “The
Missouri Fur Company " ([?] but whose particular
names are to the Jurors aforesaid as yet un
known) then and there being found, feloni[?]
ously did steal take and cary away,
contrary to the from of the statute in such case made & provided & against the peace
and [illegible] of the States of America
And the Jurors aforesaid upon their
oath aforesaid do further present that the
said William Easdale , in the first day of July
in the year of our Lord one thousand eight
hundred and twenty, with [illegible] and [illegible],

---

**Page 16** (6178_016.jpg)
at St. Louis in the county aforesaid, unlawfully
and unjustly did recive and have a large quantity
of beaver skins, to wit eighteen packs of beaverskins[?], of great vlaue, to wit, of the value of
three hundred dollars for each pack, and a large
quantity of rackoon[?] skins, to wit, two packs
of rackoon[?] skins, of great value, to wit of
the value of one hundred dollars for each
pack, of the goods and chattels of certain per-
sons using the name and style of “The Missouri Fur Company " (but whose particular names are to the jurors aforesiad as yet unknown)
[illegible] lately before feloniously stolen[?], taken &[?] [illegible] away by one George the slave of [illegible]
[illegible] be the said William Easdale then and
there well knowing the same to be stolen and
unlaw[?]fully come by, contary to the form
of the statute in such care made & provided
and against the peace and dignity [illegible]
United States of America .

*[illegible]*

---

**Page 17** (6178_017.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Gaston Soulard, Robert Watt, James Hill and Joseph White*

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 Gaston Soulard Robert
Watt James Hill Joseph White
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 [illegible] 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 Staes[?] are plaintiffs,
and William Easdale is defendant on the
part of the defendt[?] and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at the
town of St. Louis , this tenth day of augt 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 18** (6178_018.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this
writ on Jos.h White on the 11 August
on James Hill
the same day on
Robert Watt
on Gaston Soular-
d the 12 th

*John K Walker Dsff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | 1.32 |
| [illegible] | 12 |
| | \$1.44 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U.S. vs Wm Easdale
for

*Gaston Soulard Robt Watt James Hill Joseph White
[illegible] Defts*

---

**Page 19** (6178_019.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Anderew Thompson, William Braud, Hugh Richards and another*

Territory Of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. The United States of America , To Sheriff of S Louis county-Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Francis [illegible] Andrew Thompson Wm. Braud JoshN [illegible] + Hugh Richards
that setting aside all manner of excuse and [illegible] they be and appear in proper person before the judge of our [illegible] [illegible] of August 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 William Esdel[?] defendant on the
part of the defendent[?] and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court the
town of St. Louis , this eleventh day of August in the
year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred twenty year day of
the Independence of United States the forty forty fifth Clerk, st. L. C. C.*

---

**Page 20** (6178_020.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Excuted this writ
on Hugh Richards vs
on the 10th Aug.
on Andrew thom
pson this 12th on
Mr. Braud the [illegible] 14th or [illegible] [illegible]
then [illegible] [illegible] [illegible]
not found

*John K. Walker
DShff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | $ 132 |
| non est | 50 |
| travel | 6 |
| | $ 1.88 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U States
vs
Wm Easdale
for

*Fransois[?] [illegible] Andrew Thompson Mr Braud [illegible]
Hugh Richards Forthwith for Defandent[?]*

---

**Page 21** (6178_021.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Louie Hammond*

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 Louie Hammond 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 14th day of August 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 palintiffs, and William Easdale is defendant on the part of the Defendant and have you then and 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 Gamble Clerk, St. L . C. C.*

---

**Page 22** (6178_022.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on L Hammond on the 14th August he is confirmed to best by diclesily and commnon [illegible]

*John R. Walker DShff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 33 |
| travel | 3 |
| | 36 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U States vs Wm Easdale
for

*L. Hammond
14th Augt for deft*

---

**Page 23** (6178_023.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Jas B. Pearman*

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 Jas B. Pearman 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 14th day of Augt 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 one plaintiffs and William Easdale defendant on the part of the Deft and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at the town of St. Louis , this 12th day of Augt in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty and of the Indenpendence of the United States the forty fifth. A Gamble Clerk, St. L . C. C.*

---

**Page 24** (6178_024.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U. S. vs W. Easdale
for Pearman
14th Augt for Deft
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Service*

Served this
writ on James B Pearson
having a copy here of at Wm.
[illegible] (his [illegible]
of residence) in
the Township of
[illegible] on
the 12th august 1820

*John K Walker DShff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 33 |
| Travel | 108 |
| | \$1.41 |
3

---

**Page 25** (6178_025.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Elisha J. Beebe, Peter Ferguson, Paul Anderson and Reuben Neal*

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 Elisha J Beebe Peter Ferguson Paul Andreson Reuben Neal that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the Judge of our circuit courton 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 palintiffs and William Easdale defednat 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 14th 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 26** (6178_026.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Service*

Served this writ on Elisha S.
Beebe Peter Fergu[?]
son & Reuben Neal
in St. Louis County 14th August 1820 by there acknow
ledging service hereof & on Paul Anderson same place
& day by reading

*[illegible] McGirk[?] D .Shff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| $ 4 serving | $ 1.32 |
| [illegible] | 9 |
| | $ 141 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U States
vs
Wm Easdale
for

*E J. Beebe Peter Ferguson Paul Anderson Reuben Neal forthwith*

---

**Page 27** (6178_027.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Robert Preston*

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 Robert Preston
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay he be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit courton 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 plaintiff
and William Easdale is [illegible] defendant on the
part of the plts[?] and have you then there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at
the town of St. Louis , this 14th day of Augt
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 28** (6178_028.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Notation of Sheriff*

Returned with
[illegible]
non est 30 cts
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U.S. vs Easdale
for

*Robert Preston Forthwith*

---

**Page 29** (6178_029.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena*

Territory of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. The United States of America , To the Sheriff of Robert Preston county ... Greeting.
You are hereby commanded
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay you be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit courton 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 plaintiff
and Wm Easdale 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 14th day of augt
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 30** (6178_030.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Notation of Witness*

I acknowledge the service of the withing supena[?]
by William Hempstead this[?]
fourteenth day of August 1820

*Robert Preston*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U States vs Easdale
To

*Robert Preston*

---

**Page 31** (6178_031.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Francis Dinel and Pascal Dinel*

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 Francis Denes & Pascal Denel[?]
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and appear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit courton 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 binding in our said
court, wherein The United States are plaintiff
and William Easdale defendant on the part of 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 14 day of Augt
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 32** (6178_032.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

Un States[?]
Easdale

*Francis Dinel Pascal Dinel forthwith
for Pllfs[?]*
> *Legal Function: Certofservice*

Served this writ
on Francis Dinel in St. Louis Township 14th August 1820 Pascal Dinel not
found in my-
County

*Isaac C. McGirk Dsff[?]*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| [illegible] | [illegible] |
| [illegible] | [illegible] |
| | [illegible] |

---

**Page 33** (6178_033.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order to Arrest Andrew Thompson and Bring Him Before the Court to Face Contempt Charges*

Missouri Territory, St. Louis County. ss The United States of
America , to the sheriff of said county-Greeting.
We command you to attach Andrew Thompson
if he may be found within your bailiwick, and bring him
forthwith before the judge of our circuit court now sitting 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 as
palintiff and William E-asdale[?] .
defendant on the part of the Dfendant 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 14th
day of August in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty , and
of our independence the forty fifith.*

---

**Page 34** (6178_034.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ on Andrew Thompson & [illegible] him in court 14 th August 1820

*John K Walker Dshff
Service $ 1.00*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

United States
vs
Wm Easdale
Attach
for

*Andrew Thompson>*

---

**Page 35** (6178_035.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order to Arrest Arthur Maginis and Bring him Before the court to Face Contempt Charges*

Missouri Territory, St. Louis County.
Ss. The United States of
America , to the sheriff of said county-Greeting.
We command you to attach Arthur Maginis if he may be found within your bailiwick, and bring him
forthwith before the judge of our circuit court now sitting 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 William Easdale
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 14th
day of august in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty , and
of our independence the forty fifth Archibald Gamble clerk.*

---

**Page 36** (6178_036.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

United States vs
William Easdale
Attd[?]
for

*Arthur Maqinis[?]*
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Arthur Maginis is now in court
14th august 1820

*[illegible] McGirk Dshff[?] $ 1[?] [illegible]*

---

**Page 37** (6178_037.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Arthur Maginis and Eleazer Block*

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 Arthur Maginis and Eleazer Block
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 day of [illegible] 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 William Easdale defendant on the
part of the defendant and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble , Clerk of our said circuit court, at
the town of St. Louis , this fourteenth 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 [illegible] . Clerk, St. L . C. C.*

---

**Page 38** (6178_038.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

US vs Easdale
A. Maginis El. Block
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this
writ by reading
it to the two wit
nesses by reading
it to them in the town of St. Louis
14th august 1820

*Jos. C. Brown [illegible]*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| service | 66 |
| travel | 6 |
| | 72 |

---

**Page 39** (6178_039.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Subpoena of James Watt, A Man Facing Criminal Charges*

Territory of Missouri County of St Louis SS The United States of
America To the constable of Sheriff of
StLouis[?] County greeting,
You are hereby commanded that
you bring forthwith before our circuit
court for the said County now holden in
the Town of StLouis[?]. the body of James
Watt now confined in the Jail of your
said County. to testify in suit wherein the
United States are Plaintiffs and William Esdel[?] defendant on the part of the defen
dant and have you then and there
this writ.
Witness Archibald Gamble Clerk
of our said circuit in open court this 14th day of August 1820

*Archibald Gamble Clerk*

---

**Page 40** (6178_040.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U States vs Wm. Easdale
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this writ
by bringing the body
of the witness named James Watt in to court
as hereby commanded
St. Louis August 14th 1820

*[illegible] Mc Girk DSffs[?]*

---

**Page 41** (6178_041.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Summons for Major Moore*

Territory of Missouri , County of St. Louis , sct. The United States of America , To the Sheriff of StLouis[?] county... Greeting.
You are hereby commanded to summon Major Moore
that setting aside all manner of excuse and delay they be and apear in proper person before the
Judge of our circuit court,on the day of forthwith 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 plaintiff s
and wuilliam Esdel[?] defendant on the
part of the defendant and have you then and there this writ.

*Witness, Archibald Gamble . Clerk of our said circuit court, at
the town of St. Louis , this fifteenth 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 42** (6178_042.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U. vs Wm Easdale
[illegible]
for
Major Moore forthwith Majr Moore[?]
not found

*John K . Walker DShff non Est 50 cts*

---

**Page 43** (6178_043.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order to Bring Samuel Hammond Before the Court to Face Charges of Contempt*

Missouri Territory,
St. Louis County.
Ss The United States of
America , to the sheriff of said county- Greeting.
We command you to attach Samuel Hammond 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 [illegible] committed in not attending as a witness in
the case of United States
plaintiff and William Easdale
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 15
day of Augt in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and Twenty and
of our independence the Forty Fifth A Gamble Clk*

---

**Page 44** (6178_044.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this
writ [illegible]-
[illegible] owing to
his being indisposed [illegible]
not bring him
into court
15th August
1820

*John K Walker Dshff Service $ 1.00*
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U.S.vs Easdale
for

*S Hammond [illegible]*
Col Hammond is indisposed
and [illegible] considered
[illegible]

---

**Page 45** (6178_045.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Order to Bring James L. Given Before the Court to Face Contempt Charges*

Missouri Territory
, St. Louis County.
Ss. The United States of
America , to the sheriff of said county-Greeting.
We command you to attach James L Given if he may be found within your bailiwiick, and bring
forthwith before the judge of our circuit court now sitting 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 are
plaintiff and William Easdale
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 15th
day of Augt in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and twenty , and
of our independence the forty fifth A Gamble Clerk*

---

**Page 46** (6178_046.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Certificate of Execution*

Executed this &[?] have the within
\>supplied>named Jas L Given in court 15th August 1820

*Jos. C Brown Shff*
> *Legal Function: Bill of Costs*

|   |   |
|---|---|
| Service | 1 |
| travel | .05[?] |
| | 1.05 |
> *Legal Function: Caption*

U.S vs Easdale
for
Jas S Given

*A [illegible]*

---

**Page 47** (6178_047.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Jury Verdict for Trial of William Easdale*

We find the defendant not not guilty of the first count
in the indictment (viz) not guilty of stealing the
Beaver & raccoon a we find him guilty of part the second
count (viz) for receiving three packs of Beaver of
One hundred pounds each in all weighing three
hundred pounds [illegible] at two fifty
cents per pound $ 7.50[?]. & of receiving raccoon skins we do not find him quiety the
beaver we are of opinion
say 300.00 said to be now in the hands of
J. R. Guy Esqr to be subject to
the order of the Missouri Fur Co.

*James Clemens Ss Foreman*

---

**Page 48** (6178_048.jpg)

---

**Page 49** (6178_049.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Record of William Easdale's Motion for a New Trial*

William Easdale
[illegible]
United States
[illegible] fornew
trial and in [illegible]
of [illegible].
filed Augt 17th
1820

*A Gamble Clk*

---

**Page 50** (6178_050.jpg)

---

**Page 51** (6178_051.jpg)
> *Legal Function: Motion for a New Trial*

William Easdale ad United States
And the said
William Easdale [illegible] that the
verdict aforeaid may be set aside
and a new trial awarded in
the premises and for reason
[illegible] the following.
1 The Court it is believed erred
in [illegible] the record [illegible] the consideration of the slave George to
be read in evidence on the trial of Easdale
as competent evidence to prove the
beaver [illegible] had been stolen.
2 It is believed the Ccourt erred in
refusing to instruct the jury that if
the[illegible] names of the persons [illegible]
the fur company were provided to them
they must acquit the prisoner
3 The verdict is against law and evidence
in this that there was no evidence
to shew Easdale recieved[?] the goods of

---

**Page 52** (6178_052.jpg)
George and is this that there was no
evidence that Easdale knew the furrs[?]
had been stolen. And that there was
no
color of [illegible] as to [illegible] [illegible] two recieved[?]
4 the verdict is against the weight of
evidence in this that then was so
much proof of Easdale buying furrs[?]
of different persons as to [illegible] all [illegible]
of his having received them and buying
and receiving are distinct offences[?] under the
statute. And also in this that the [illegible]
of Preston , which was the pnly proof[?] to
the point of [illegible] receiving was
contradicted is so many [illegible] points
is, wholly to [illegible] it.

*[illegible] Barton*
And the dependant also prays that
judgment[?] on the verdict aforesaid may
be stayed and arrested. Because there
is a misjoinder of distinct offences is the
said indictment and because a [illegible] man is not indictable as for receiving stolen goods of a slave the offence[?] being
otherwise [illegible] and because
the said prosecution ought to be in the
name of the State of Missouri.

*[illegible] Barton*

Item sets: All Circuit Court Records; Circuit Court Cases; St. Louis Fur Trade Cases, 1800 - 1834

United States V. William Easdale. 1819, St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project, accessed October 7, 2026, https://digitalexhibits.library.washu.edu/s/ccr/item/60628