From: Walczyk, Gail M. District Court Records 1805 - 1816 (Coram NY: Peter's Row, 2004), p 179.
On 7 October 1816 the court presented an indictment against William Wessells, the son of Ephraim. He was charged with "spitting" in the face of Major Taylor while Major Taylor was in bed.
The text reads: "Presentment against William Vessells of Ephrm for squirting a composition of filthy stuff into the face of Major Taylor on the night of the 26th September last past in his house in the parish & County of Accomack while in his bed."