Litchfield enquirer., 1833-05-16
From the United States Gazette.

JACOB FIRST OFFENCEs
 Having occasion one day last summer to look into Judge Kings court to find law yer who, we learned, had, like ourselves, made at that moment his first appearance in that place for several years, we found tho court occupied with sentencing certain criminals, against whom the jury of peers had pronounced the verdict of guilty. One after another his honor despatched the motley group of black, white and grey, who were congregated in the prisoners box; some were to serve the public for two years and others for few months ac- cording to the legal distinction of their va rious misdoings and each heard in silence his sentence, and looked all submission, as The felt that if all was known, the punish ment would have been doubled. This Si- lence, we have remarked, is the attribute of the prisoners box. The bold and reck- less are silent because they would brave all consequences; the timid speak not, be- cause they are timid. When the whole array of culprils in the box had been dis posed of, we looked for a movement of the people towards the door, but instead of that, attention was directed to an individu al sitting on bench at the right of the pris- oner's box. Changing our position, we had full view of him, and we will now at- tempt sketch of his person.
 The man was about 75 years of age, and bore those marks upon lis visage which denoted that labor and exposure had aided bim in his work. As he sat, his body leaned forward to an angle of about 45 de- grees, his right hand was resting on staff, and in his left, but lying on bench, was a bag. His dress was of the most ordinary kind, his beard had not that length which adds dignity to age, nor was it sufficiently short to denote any recent attention to per- sonal comforts, few stray white hairs were hanging straight down from under coarse cap with which his head was cover- ed. Recent confinement had given more than common paleness to his visage, and unusual dimness to his eye.
 'Jacob,' said the judge, in tone in which feeling for the age and wants ofthe prisoner had evidently obtained the maste- ry over the sternness of justice-'J Jacob, you have been found guilty of stealing a quantity of poultry
 Jacob turned his dim eye towards the judge, and only shook his head, while his fingers played heavily and nervously upon his bag and cane.
 'The jury has pronounced you guilty, again said the judge, in tone which con- veyed doubt whether the old man under stood the nature of his situation. I heard them,' said Jacob: though never intended to steal from any man, whatever my wants may have been, and ] they have been many and pressing. never intended to take what was not my own. have lived 75 years in the same neighborhood, and--and- Jacob had lost the thread of his remarks, he look ed about as if to catch some hint by which to enable him to proceed, but he was un- successful; he shook his head again, and cast his eyes upon the floor.
 'The court said the judge, in a tone of kindness, have considered the circum- stances of your case. and pronounce the following sentence-
 sSeptence-sentence,' said Jacob rapid ly, as he again gazed on the judge sem tence-I have labored for family, have fought for the country, have paid taxes for the state, and am now to be sentenced. Who is he that can say that Jacob - ever wronged him in 75 years. I appeal, continued he, in a low trembling voice, appeal to Frederick G. and William -, who were boys and men with me, whether have been charged with crime -let them speak for me-
 'They are both dead, said the officer. 'Deadr z said the old man.
 'Yes.'
 So they are-I had forgottcn-they