I ask you, have you any doubt that in the month of January, 1855, you were called upon to attest another proposal for £13,000 on the life of Walter Palmer?—Witness (with hesitation): I may have signed that paper in blank.
Did you sign this proposal in blank?—I might have done.
But did you, I ask again?—I cannot swear I did or did not. I have some doubt whether I did not sign several of these proposals in blank [sensation].
Upon your oath, do you not know that William Palmer applied to you to effect an insurance for £13,000 on the life of his brother?—I do not remember.
Why this is a very large sum, surely you must remember such a transaction as this?—I may have been applied to on the subject.
Were you applied to to attest another proposal for an insurance with the Universal Life Office?—I cannot say that I was.
Will you swear that when Walter Palmer executed the deed of assignment of his policy to William Palmer, that you were not present? Now, be careful, for you will certainly hear of this on some future day if you are not careful.—I cannot say that I was.
Upon your oath, did you not attest the deed of assignment of Walter to his brother of his interest in a policy of insurance for £13,000?—I cannot say. I believe the signature “Jeremiah Smith” is very much like my handwriting.
I repeat the question?—I cannot say.
Why, did you not receive a cheque for £5 for attesting it?—I think I did receive a cheque for £5.