William Poole - Examination; 24 August, 1652
Examination on the Interrogatories of David Kirke, in Baltimore vs. D. Kirke.
Maryland Historical Society, Calvert
Papers, 174/200.
Published in Louis D. Scisco,
"Testimony Taken at Newfoundland in 1652", Canadian
Historical Review 9 (1928) 239-251, see 246.
Revised by P.E. Pope.
The answer of William Poole, inhabitant of Renews, to his examination upon the Interrogatories ministered on the part and behalf of Sir David Kirke, Tuesday August the 24th, 1652.
1 To the first [re the personal bias of the witness], he answers that he came to be examined by order of the Commissioners and hath no share neither interest in business but disclaims all in both parties, for he doth not think that he shall get a farthing by either of them. But if it did lay in his power for the victory, he would rather give it to Sir David Kirke, by reason Sir David is a Protestant and my Lord of Baltimore [Sir George Calvert] a Papist [Roman Catholic]. And for his depositions he expects to get nothing by either of them.
2 To the second [re previous coaching of the witness], he answers that be had no knowledge of it by any one, neither was he taught what to say. But he says he had a suit against Sir David [Sir David Kirke] if he could meet him.
3 To the third [re extent of personal knowledge of the Calvert business], he answers that he was here then in '38 [1638], but never saw the [second] Lord of Baltimore [Cecil Calvert] here. And he believes he had the authority of his father. As for goods here, [there] was none in the house but some few old things as an old table board, and an old chair, and an old boat, and such like goods.
4 To the fourth [re personal knowledge of the use of Calvert properties] he answers that he was here [when] Sir David Kirke arrived in the Land [Newfoundland] but, for my Lord of Baltimore, he never saw him then, nor at no time else. And as for any goods that is expressed should be taken from the Lord of Baltimore by Sir David Kirke he knows of none but only one old boat, as for the goods expressed. It was perished; but what value he knows not.
5 To the fifth article [re personal knowledge of Calvert's patent and of receipts from Kirke's imposition] he answers that he saw the old Lord Baltimore's patent, but for the young Lord he never [did] see [it]. He hath also seen Sir David Kirke receive imposition himself in person and also other men, as agents for Sir David, having his order, [the imposition] being from the French. But what value it did amount to he knows not. And he cannot say but that it was done in behalf and for the use of the Lords Proprietors.
The mark X of William Poole.
