REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF CLAIMS TO WHOM WAS REFERRED, ON THE FIFTH INSTANT, THE PETITION OF AZOR BAGLEY. 22D DECEMBER, 1797

[Philadelphia: Ross, 1797. pp [3], 166-174 [as issued]. Disbound, light uniform tanning. Very Good.

During the Revolution Bagley had been "a private in the 2d New York regiment of artillery." He was entitled at War's end to "settlement certificates" comprising his termination pay. But a forger, one David Craig, presented himself at the Treasury with a document purporting to be a Power of Attorney signed by Bagley; Craig got the money and, of course, never turned it over to Bagley.
Bagley urges the United States to issue him new settlement certificates. The Committee, with the concurrence of the Comptroller, concludes that Bagley is not entitled to relief: "Government is undoubtedly bound to enact laws for the punishment of forgery as well as other crimes, but has never been considered as liable to claims for indemnity to individuals suffering by forgery."
Evans 33009. NAIP w025417 [5].