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Pomp Somerset vs. Richard Greenleaf (1776)
Pomp Somerset gives his attorney, Theophilus Parsons, a power of attorney before the case is called. Greenleaf fails to appear and Pomp, through Parsons, forgoes damages and costs but wins his case.
- Plaintiff: Pomp Somerset
- Defendant: Richard Greenleaf
- Plaintiff's Attorney: Theophilus Parsons
Essex Court of Common Pleas
- December 1776 Salem: Case filed and disposed
- Chief Justice: Honorable Caleb Cushing Esq.
- Justice: Benjamin Greenleaf Esq.
- Justice: Samuel Holton Physician
- Disposition: Monetary Damages: Defendant defaulted. Court ruled for Plaintiff who, in turn, remitted "all damages and costs whatsoever which should have been adjudged to him in this behalf" so Defendant was considered "acquitted & forever discharged."
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Sources
- Please review Court Formalities to understand the court documents. Note especially that phrases such as 'with force & arms' and specific dates for keeping the Plaintiff in servitude are formal statements not meant to reflect actual occurences.
- Power of Attorney given to T. Parsons by Pomp Somerset. Note that it is signed and sworn too before the trial date.
- Dated December 5, 1776 Writ for Trespass by Force & Arms and enslavement by Pomp Somerset against Richard Greenleaf.
- Record of ECCP Court Session December 1, 1776. Defandant defaulted.
- Judgement that Pomp should recover damages. Pomp, through his attorney, T. Parsons, remitted "all damages & costs whatsover which should have been adjudged to him."
- Docket entry for ECCP December 1776 for Pomp vs. Greenleaf. Defendant defaulted.