David Brewer

These may certify all whom it may concern That whereas there has been a report spread abroad, that Joseph Bidwell of Glastenbury, did in the month of May, in the year A.D. 1769 by whipping, or some other way, make way with one David Brewer a servant boy to said Bidwell, (a lad of about 14 or 15 years of age) and said boy has not been seen nor heard of since. And that said Brewers apparition has appeared to Charles Riley, and told him his body was under the floor. And the said Riley on the 28th day of January, A.D. 1771, apply'd to us the subscribers, justices of the peace for Hartford county; that he had seen said Brewers apparition, on the friday before at noon day, within about twenty rods of said Bidwell's barn. We knowing said Riley to be a man not to be depended upon, but to satisfy people abroad, we went on said 28th day, with about twenty judicious men, and pulled up said Bidwell's barn floor, and dugg in several places, and found no appearance of any brackage of earth, until we were all satisfied there was no person there, and there has five persons of lawful age, testified under oath, that they have seen said David Brewer since he run away from said Bidwell.
JONATHAN HALE, Justice Peace.
WILLIAM WELLS, Justice Peace.
Glastenbury, Feb. 2, 1771.