John Smith entered into an indenture to be an apprentice to John Gardner, a wright. Smith’s grandfather John Wardrop also was a party to the agreement, having agreed to provide board and washing for his grandson. The agreement had a term of three years and would be enforced by a £5 Sterling penalty if either side failed to perform its obligations. Smith entered into Gardner’s service, but he left the apprenticeship after about a year. Gardiner charged Smith and Wardrop for payment of the £5 Sterling penalty. However, Smith and Wardrop argued that the indenture agreement was void because it lacked a stamp signifying payment of a statutory duty. They also alleged that Gardner had taken up smuggling and was deficient in providing instruction.

Published Reports

William Morison, The Decisions of the Court of Session (1811), pg. 593
View Report

Locations

Session Papers

Petition

Unto the Right Honourable The Lords of Council and Session, the Petition of John Smith, lawful Son of the deceased Robert Smith Wright in Glasgow, and John Wardrop, late Deacon of the Wrights there

 		5 Aug 1774
Answers

Answers for John Gardner Wright in Glasgow; to the Petition of John Smith, lawful Son of the deceased Robert Smith Wright in Glasgow, and John Wardrop late Deacon of the Wrights there

 		30 Nov 1774
Petition

Unto the Right Honourable the Lords of Council and Session, the Petition of John Smith, lawful son of the deceased Robert Smith wright in Glasgow, and John Wardrop, late Deacon of the Wrights there

 		23 Nov 1773
Answers

Answers for John Gardner Wright in Glasgow, to the Petition of John Smith, lawful son of the deceased Robert Smith Wright in Glasgow, and John Wardrop, late Deacon of the Wrights there

 		14 Dec 1773