On October 27, 1812, attorney Perly Wallis, representing Joseph Hudsel, filed a declaration in court. Hudsel alleged that earlier that month, on the island of Chicot Point, Elijah Bunch had taken two of his oxen. Hudsel sued in trespass by force and arms. Judge Francois Vaugine ordered the clerk, Patrick Cassidy, to issue a summons for Elisha Bunch. On Oct. 31, deputy sheriff Horace Wallis (undoubtedly a relative of Perly) served Bunch. Meanwhile, on Oct. 28, the deputy sheriff was sent out to subpoena Nicholas Bailey, Jacob Keller, William Patterson and Alexander McLaughlin. The deputy was able to find and serve Bailey and Patterson. Deputy Clerk Robert F. Hughes issued the subpoena.

Unfortunately for the plaintiff, the Court of Common Pleas held no more regular terms before being dissolved. The next court of record to convene at the Post was the General Court. George Bullitt served as judge. The first term convened in September of 1814, and Hudsel v. Bunch was on the docket. When the case was called, Perly Wallis asked that it be discontinued. There is no later mention of it in the court's record book. However, in July 1815, Daniel Mooney swore an affidavit before Justice of the Peace John Dodge that he had authorized Horace Wallis to act in his stead.

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