Document Spotlight-Questions of Forgery

Transcriber Rhdkbrown recently brought us a document that raises more questions than it answers. The document appears to be an 19 August 1796 affidavit from Theophilus Beckman, referencing another document dated 9 August 1796. The 9 August letter contains  a statement vouching for a George Wood, declaring that he (Beckman) knows Wood to be an honest man. Curiously, Beckman recognizes his signature on the letter, but does not recognize the statement, and declares it to be a forgery. Another letter dated 14 August contains Beckman’s testimony that he believes that a paper with his signature and seal on it were taken from his office and used to forge a letter of introduction.

So who was George Wood? Did he forge Beckman’s letter of introduction? What was the disposition of the case?

Read the original document here.

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