Beckwith v. State

This was a prosecution instituted before a justice for surety of the peace. The affidavit, upon which the prosecution is based, is in these words:

“ State or Indiana, Bartholomew county, set.

“ Isaiah Watkins swears, as he verily believes, that he has just cause to fear, and does fear, that William Beckwith will injure his person by violence, and that he makes this affidavit only to secure the protection of the law, and not from anger or malice. ■ Isaiah Watkins.

“ Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 14th of February, 1863. Jos. E. Mitchell, J. P.”

The justice gave judgment against the…