If the lost papers consist of depositions, the court may, in its discretion, order the testimony to be retaken, if the witnesses are alive.
Code 1858, § 3908 (deriv. Acts 1847-1848, ch. 116, § 2); Shan., § 5702; Code 1932, § 9888; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), § 24-810.