Joshua Hawkins was about 25 years old in 1756 when John Hobson sued him for slander in Lunenburg County, Virginia. The case was settled by the dismissal of the suit in exchange for Joshua's reimbursing John for his court costs and for Joshua's acknowledgement that he never made the evil statement about John Hobson which was attributed to him. Read the acknowledgment, where the alleged statement is set out, and see whether you agree that John Hobson was justified in taking his wrath to the courthouse.
Apparently this unpleasantness did not permanently damage the relationship between Joshua and John; some years later, after Joshua moved to North Carolina, Joshua gave John his power of attorney to dispose of his land in Virginia.
The phrase "In Case" in the lawsuit caption simply means that the suit is a tort action.
| Hobson | John Hobson | Plaintiff | In Case | ||
| ~ | against | ||||
| Hawkins | |||||
| dismd | Joshua Hawkins | Defendant |
| Hawkins's ackt to Hobson |
|
| A Certain Acknowledgment Between Joshua Hawkins of the one part and John Hobson of the other part, is Read in Court, and Acknowleged by the said Joshua and upon motion of the said John, the same is Ordered to be Recorded. |
| Hobson's Ackment from Hawkins | |
| Whereas it has been reported that I Joshua Hawkins some time ago did Publish and declare that I Saw John Hobson bugger a Mare, these therefore may Satisfy all whom it may concern that I never divulged such Report nor do I know or ever heard of the sd. Hobson's being Guilty of Such detestable & abominatious Crime. |
| Joshua Hawkins | |||
| Lunenburg County Court, September Court 1756 | |||
| The within writing was Rec'd in Open Court & Acknowledged by the within named Joshua Hawkins, which at the Motion of the within Named John Hobson was Ordered to be Recorded. | |||
| Test. Clement Read CL | |||
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