SC1896_FF1_151

41
{ Talladega }

On cross examination, I asked her "If the signature
is not in the hand writing of Caroline, whose hand
writing is it? Ans. It is the hand writing of Thos.
P. Taul, disguised. I afterwards took the deposition
of D. Dixon & others, who were well acquainted
with her hand writing, & were competent
judges of such matters (Dr. D. had been a
Bank officer) by whom, I proved that the signature
was in the hand writing of Caroline
The deed to Deckard was afterwards found, &
we heard no more of the Forgery.

The question to Mr. A. was propounded by Mr.
Campbell himself; at which I was much surprised,
as Mr. C. well knew, that the signature
was her hand writing - Mr. A. might not have
known it - Caroline wrote a strong, bold hand
for a woman & there was great uniformity in
it (See her Letters). A person acquainted with
her hand writing could not be mistaken about
it. That attempt of Mr. C. to prove, what he
knew to be false, lessened him very much in
my estimation. He doubtless had many good qualities,
was an able Lawyer, & lived & died a respectable
man. He was not at home, when the murder
was committed, or possibly, if he had been, he
might have prevented it.

The most important evidence in the cause
was that of Benjamin Deckard, taken by Complainants -
Her feelings were altogether
with them, but his testimony, was altogether
in our favor. He had for many years been the
friend of Colo. A. & family, & as they were dissatisfied
with what had been done, he was
also dissatisfied, & attempted to prevail on Thos.
Taul to cancel the deed. Thos. had said to him
and to all others with whom he conversed on