For we considered this a good warrant, though it was only in verbal writing.
"But after I was appointed by the Assembly, they told me that my warrants must be in real writing and signed; and that I must keep a book and write my proceedings in it.

This was a hard business on me, for I could just barely write my own name.

But to do this, and write the warrants too, was at least a huckleberry over my persimmon.

I had a pretty well informed constable, however, and he aided me very much in this business.

Indeed, I told him, when he should happen to be out anywhere, and see that a warrant was necessary, and would have a good effect, he needn't take the trouble to come all the way to me to get one, but he could just fill out one; and then, on the trial, I could correct the whole business if he had committed any error.
"In this way I got on pretty well, till, by care and attention, I improved my handwriting in such a manner as to be able to prepare my warrants and keep my record-books without much difficulty.