The Attorney-General: Do you know whether Walter Palmer received anything on executing the assignment of his policy to William Palmer?—I believe he ultimately had something.
Did he not get a bill for £200?—I believe he did, and he also got a house furnished for him.
Was that bill paid?—I do not remember.
Is that document in your handwriting? [document handed in]—It is.
Now, having seen that document with your signature, I ask you whether you were applied to to effect an insurance on the life of Walter Palmer?—I do not recollect.
Not recollect! when your signature is staring you in the face?—No, I do not.
You are an attorney, and accustomed to business transactions?—I am.
Now I ask you again, were you applied to on the subject?—I may have been; it is from my memory I am speaking, and I wish, therefore, to speak as accurately as possible [laughter].
I don’t ask you as to your memory in the abstract, but your memory now that is refreshed by that document. Is that your signature?—Witness (hesitating) I have no doubt it may be.
Look at that document and see whether you were not applied to to effect the insurance I have named?—That is my signature.