Joseph Boucot

Under questioning in pre-trial depositions for Hiss's libel suit against him, Whittaker Chambers cited a long visit that he said Priscilla Hiss paid to Chambers' cottage in Smithton, New Jersey, to support his claim that a close relationship existed between the two families. Chambers said their landlord, Joseph Boucot, would back up his story, because he was introduced to Mrs. Hiss.

The defense found Boucot, who lived only 100 feet from Chambers' summer cottage. Boucot said he never met Mrs. Hiss. Chambers then said he was no longer so sure that Mrs. Hiss met Boucot, but Mrs. Chambers still testified that Priscilla Hiss did visit. Boucot and his sister both testified that this was untrue.