Examine the document, and then tell me, on your oath, whether that is
not your signature [witness examined the document].
Now you have perused it, tell me, is not that your signature?--Witness
(hesitating): I have some doubts whether this is my handwriting
[sensation].
Have you read the whole of the document?--I have not.
Then do so. [Witness again perused the whole of the paper.] Now, was
that document prepared in your office?--It was not.
Have you ever seen it before?--It is very much like my handwriting.
That is not what I asked you. Upon your oath, have you ever seen that
document before?--Witness (with hesitation): It is very much like my
handwriting [sensation].
I will have an answer to my question. Upon your oath, sir, is not that
your handwriting?--I think it is not in my handwriting. I think it is a
very clever imitation of it [sensation].
Will you swear it is not your handwriting?--I will swear it is not my
handwriting [renewed sensation].
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: Will your lordship please to take a note of that
answer?
Mr. Baron ALDERSON: Did you ever make such an attestation as that in
your hand?--I do not remember.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL: Now is that the signature of Walter Palmer
(handing a paper to witness)?--I believe it to be.
Is that the signature of Pratt?--I do not know.
Did you not receive that paper from Pratt?--I believe I did not. I think
William Palmer gave it me.
Well, did he give it you?--I don’t recollect.
I repeat my question. Did William Palmer give you that document?--Most
likely he did.
Did he, I ask again?--It was not signed at the time.
But did he give it you? I will have an answer.--I have no doubt he did.
Well, then, if that document bears the signature of Walter Palmer, and
was given to you by William Palmer, cannot you tell whether it bears
your own signature or not?--Mr. Attorney--
Don’t “Mr. Attorney” me--answer my question. Upon your oath, is not that
your handwriting?--I believe it not to be.