The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-08-01
LOCAL MATTERS.

CHARGE OF FoRoEsY --on Saturday morning,
oswsy Smith was examined before the Mayor, on
the charge of forging the name of Robert j. Pace,
to promissory note dated June 22d able to the
order of Albert N. Smith in thirty days. for s2l0
at the Bank of Virginia. The note was endorsed
with the following names; First, Albert N. Smith;
next, Otway Smith, and then John 81. Royal
The note was marked protested for non-payment
July 25, 1883
The Mayor after looking at the note, erquired who
was Albert N. Smith Officer Pierce knew OF no
such person here now. person of that name
formerly lived here.
Officer Tyler stated that Mr.. Otwsy Smith told
him that Albert N. Smith was his brother.
John NJ. Royal was then called and sworn. He
stated that the note exhibited in Court for SalO,
was passed to him by Otxay Smith, on the Cd July,
In lieu of note for 5000 which fell due ON the 4th
July. Witness then took up the note for 5000, and
his clerk, Mr.. Massie, meeting Smith on the street,
gave the note to him. The amount over the 5000
was placed to Smiths credit. The note for $500
which he took up, come into his possession in this
wise In December last, Smith had an account
with him, and brought In q note for Sl25 pur-
porting to be drawn by Robert J Pace, and en-
dorsed by Albeit N. Smith. This note was passed
to Smiths credit. When this note matured, Smith
brought him another note for $500, drawn and
endorsed as the one for 1925 Witness took up
the note for sl25 and paid to Smith the balance of
the 5000, viz s75. The note for 5000, as he had
already stated, he had taken up with another note
given him by Smith for $2lo, on the I'd of July
This note for $2l0, he told Smith MUST be paid in
money when it matured. The note matured and no
attention was paid to 1t by Smith. TIE suspicious
of witness then became aroused az to the correct.
of the endorsations of the note. On examining
particularyit appeared to him as If the names of
Robert J. Pace and Otway Smith, were written in
tie same handwriting, by the same person. He
was not familiar with Mr.. PAGES handwriting; had
heard that Pace waJ Smiths brother-in law.
Mr. Crane counsel for the accused, here stated
that his client did not deny executing the note.
Mr. Smith, had the requisite authority for sign
ing it.
Mr. Royal cross.examined. My FIRST transactions
with Mr. o. Smith took place some 10 or IL years
since. Do not reccllect of seeing any published
notice whereby Smith was given authority by Pace
- use his NAME Prior to the maturity of the last
note for $2l0, Mr. Smith showed me letter pur.
pOIuuS 10 p6 IT0u1 NE race requesting ule nOt W
deposite the note In bank.
Richard S. Massle, in the employ Of Mr. Royalh
was sent we learn by MIR R., to see Mr. Pace, who
lives in Gsochland, on Tuesday last and ascertained
the authenticity Of his signature to the note for $40
Mr. M. deposed, that he called to see Mr. Pace In
Goochlsnd last Tuesday, concerning this note for
S2l0. mr Pace, on seeing it, said that it was a
forgery, and that he never owed Smith dollar in
his life. Mrs Pace also said the same thing.
Questioned by Smith.-Mr Pace did not deny
giving authority to Smith to sign the note for him
He said nothing about that
The Mayor here said that as it would be.necss'
sary to procure the testimony OF Mr. Pace, and he
would, therefore, have to be sent for, he would ad
journ the examination over until Friday next.
Mr. Royal then stated to The Mayor, that he I'm
derstood that there other paper similarly drawn
and endorsed shoat in this city. Franklin Mat
thews had told him that Joseph Allen called on him
recently with tote of Smiths to enquire as to the
position of Pace, the drawer.
The Mayor here ordered Mr. Allen to be sum
| moned before him.
Mr. Massie said that Mr. F. Matthews told him on
Friday evening, that Mesf ina Beaseley called on
him to enquire about Albert N Smith, and he in
ferred from That he said that Mr. B. held note
drawn and endorsed like to the one In court
The Mayor then issued summons fer Mr Bease.
ley.
Mr Joseph Allen, soon after the issue of the sum
mons, appeared in court and was duly sworn. He
said that he had note of Smiths in his possession
but that he had no idea that it was forgery, OF
that it was suspected to be such. He had not pre-
oented it to the drawer. Mr. A. then gave the note
to the Mayor, who retained that and Royalps note
for use during the ensuing examination.
Officer White reported that Mr. NJ Beaseley had
gone to Hanover county, and would be back Sun
day or Monday. Mr. Smith was then remsnded to
Jail for further examination upon the charge Of
forgery on Friday next