Diana: I believe the Orange County Order Book notation > Charles & Peter Copland, Plts. Agt Samuel Kercheville Deft. In Debt > is the "style" or title of a lawsuit, which in modern usage would probably be styled: Charles Copland and Peter Copland, Plaintiffs versus Samuel Kercheville, Defendant The notation "In Debt" signifies that the plaintiffs' allegation[s] were based upon a debt owed to them by the defendant. "Debt" was a theory of common law providing recovery for those who prevailed in the lawsuit. Marilyn Symonds To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html