Clary v. Dennis Chisholm Abstract


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Robert Clary v. Dennis Chisholm
Abstract

In January of 1811, Anthony Haden, counsel for Robert Clary, filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas against Dennis Chisholm. The action was for debt on a note made by Dennis Chisholm on June 4, 1810, payable to the bearer for $62.00 in "good trade." (This should be contrasted with most instruments which called for payment in "lawful money.") The former phrase is evidence of the barter economy on the frontier. Money, particularly specie (coins) was in very short supply. There was no federal paper currency (the first was issued during the Civil War) and so bank notes, private notes, bonds and bills filled that gap. Judge Francois Vaugine authorized Clerk Patrick Cassidy to issue a capias writ to Sheriff Daniel Mooney to seize Dennis Chisholm and bring him to court in April 1811. The sheriff did not find Chisholm, but as it happened the court could not meet in April for lack of two judges. In December, Robert Clary discontinued the action and there are no further entries in the record book.

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