Devers ex rel. Devers v. Becknell

This was an action of detinue for some negro slaves, tried in the Howard Circuit Court; plea, non detinet; verdict for defendant. The plaintiff, to support his action, offered in evidence a power of attorney from his father, William Devers, who was the owner of the slaves, authorising him to sue for them. This power of attorney was objected to by the defendant, on the ground, that the execution of it was not sufficiently proved, and was excluded from being given in evidence by the Court. To the opinion of the Court in excluding this testimony, the plaintiff excepted. It is not necessary to…