Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-08-06
ANrCDoTr OF Mr.. uoIr

The Mobile Mercantile Advert
ser, in brief sketch OF Mr.. Holt. IF
Louisville, relates the following Incl
dent, connected with that gentleman
FIRST appearance At the bar:
We beg leave 20 relate little Incl
dent, which more clearly illustrates
than IN this hasty attempt we can de-
scribe, this young mans character and
appearance. II was in ISL. We be-
hevc, that young Holt commenced his
public career in the city of Louisville.
Nv. He had been in the place for
several months previous. perhaps. bu;
ms studious habits had kept him from
mingling IN society, and consequently
he was, at the time We alludc 10. al
most an entire stranger, even 10 the
members OF his own profession in that
city. There was one morning, a pm
soner. young looking man, arraigned
before the MAYORS court. 10 be tried
Tor a crime of no ordinary airocity.
which he was charged with having
committed. The accused was a strsn-
ger, poor and unbciriended: and mere
over the evidence Of his guilt was ra-
ther circumstantial than positive. Some
oil the facts OF the case, Il appears. had
come 10 the knowledge OF Mr.. Holt
With hundreds of other spectators he
strolled into the court room. But some
what to the surprise OF the others he
sauntercd carelessly up the room and
going within the bar, seated hi.nsel;
among the lawyers. Dunng the pro-
grcss of the trial (it was jury case
he once OF twice questioned tic witness
rs on some curious vet well devised
points Tor the prisoners defencc-this
he did. however, without havir. for
mally announced himself As counsel IN
behalf of the accused. When the ex-
animation of testimony was closed. Mr..
Holt rose and requested permission 20
make few remarks in defence of the
individual arraigncd at the bar.
II may be- mentioned. that the then
acting Mayor of that city. was man
well III years, and OF fair legal attain
mcnts. Hi, high reputation as a man.
and the experience he had gained by a
long and acceptable service as chief
magistrate Of the city, rendered his opin.
ION worthy Of respect. lie had. howe
yer, :his PeculiaTity-hc had coacei, ed
an utter aversion 90 the commonplace.
long-windcd speeches of lawycrs-an
aversion, too. that he rather sought 10
make known than 4, disguise. Hence
II was only tie more eminent and In
gcnlous of the profession who found
favor in his prescncc. Young Holt
was stranger 20 him: and .. his 3D.
pearancc was any thing el,c than prc-
! possessing, the chances were rather
against him. Judging from the look,
and demeanor Of the applicant hi,
honor could not have dreamed that he
had the faculty Of multiplying words
Believing hun 10 be. as he afterwaId.
remarked. some green young lawye,
from the country, clad in the home.
spun attire of his natal dwelling. and
thinking he would probably make lii.
tie flourish. commit a lew blunders. be-
come abashcd and very soon resume
his seat, he granted him permission %
address the court and jury.
Mr.. III. commenced. We will mol
dwell upon the details of the eGor-
he Iuadc--It was most mastery one
and successful in the highest degree.
The very appearance Of the man fixed
on hlm the aitrItion Il the congre gated
multitude az his first opening. But a
he proceeded. his eioquence bean a.
warm and GLOW; when pointing - the
prisoner i-rsakcn f1endlcss and op.
pressed a. he was with the dark and
damning suspicion oigmlt hanging over
HIM, when he appealed 10 the court. n
The jury and a. his fellow c,iiIc,.s e..
compassion and mercy ora him. even
breath seemed 30 be bushcd. and a 4
lencc Peryaded the assembly. deep A
that OF the crave. The auditors SEEN.
2 ed At once enchanted with the el,qpene,
81 tie man, and asiounded al such
display from one whose very nam,
was unknown perhaps o. any uithir
80
The sound Of bis voice. Hc suceeede,
and gained his cause. The pri .oner
was discharged--and when aftcrward
ne was rendering 10 his deliyerer. al
That he was abe 70 give a. rcware
ios hiss services. his gratitude. viii
strong assurances of remuneration a
some future day. Young ~. replied. iha
he required no other payment thar
that he bad received-'he r. ,ard a n.
ffiendlsss.
4 woman in England. named Lyl;,
Chamberlayne, aged 81 yeap. has late
I ". hadthe fuli power ofspeecb return.
cd 70 her, although she had beer
dumb foE the last rs wears. ON,
morning, while wsIkiax N the garden
she felt a severe pain IN her chest -.
eoughed, and threw up flesh,
substance of considerable NE. AM
Immediately the power Of speech a
restored 70 her 20 che delight q coar.e
q herself and friends.