Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1839-05-31
ANECDOTE OF JUDGE CRANE.

Shortly alter the first Republican con.
s'hution of the State of New York was
framed and the Judiciary system was esH
iabllshcd for the civil department. the SUI
preme court, or that branch of it called
the Circuit court was appointed for one Of
the circuits in the county of Dutchess, and
the eccentric Judge Crane was to preside.
Judge Crane was very wealthy and highly
respected for his public and private virtues,
especially for his chartableness to the
poor; bu, always dressed in a plain garb,
and would hardly ever wear any over coat,
whatever the weather might be, and it was
seldom that he rode when he went abroad,
although he owned many valuable horses.
On the morning of the day in which The
court was to begin, the judge set out be-
fore day and walked gently on, through
hail, rain and snow to the appointed place.
On arriving at Poughkeepsie, cold and wet,
he walked to tavern, where he found the
landlady and her servants were ing
large preparations for the entertainment OF
the judges, lawyers, and other gentlemen,
whom they expected would attend the cir.
cult court.
The Judge was determined to have some
sport, and in n pleasant tome addressed the
lsIdlady-l have no money, and | was
obliged to come to court, and have walk
ed through this dreadful storm more than
twenty miles. ] am wet and cold, dry and
hungry. want something to eat before
the court begins; when the landady put
herself in a mysterious posture, and put
ting on countenance of contempt, SAID to
the Judge, you say you are wet and cold,
dry and hot how can all that be?' No
my dear madam says the Judge, i said
that was wet and cold; and If you had
been out as long as have been in this
storm thing you would likewise be wet
and cold said that wanted something
10 drink and eat Blu, you have no mon
ey you say. re'ortcd the landady. i told
you the truth says the judge. 'the whole
truth, and nothing but the truth but were
] as rich as CrGsus, would be willing to
work for something TO cat and drink. -
'CrGsus, who is CfGsus? says the lady.
u never knew him., said the Judge. but
have understood he was very rich. / wan,
something to eat and something to drink
and were ! as poor as Job in his utmost
calamity, and had my health and strength
as we'll as now have, | would willingly
70 to work little while. if | could ge
something TO drink and bite of good victu
ais We'll, daddy says she. how muct
do you want to drink" Halt gill o
good brandy says he. Very WE'LL say
she, Il will give you half gill and SOM
cold vlcluals, if you will 60 into the bacl
yard, and cut and split three armfulls o
wood, and bring it into the kitchen, wher
the servants want to make good fire t
dry the eentemcn's coats when they come
and after you get your vcuals, sha
want you to go away He drank hi
brandy, went into the wood yard, and 500
cut and laid by the kitchen fire, the requir
ed quantity OF wood. The landlady place
cold luncheon before him. remarSiDg lba
there was. And it is almost as cold q
myself,' says he. but not half so wet, for
see neither tea, nor coffee, nor chocolat
10 wet it, 'Beggars must not be choos
ers,' said she. j an not begging of 20
madam i told YOU said she, I woui
give you cold vctuals, and there is col
boiled ham, cold pork and beef, cold pota
toes, &c. and If you want any thing no
there is mustard and pepper, and here
good cheese, and all good enough for sue
an old ragmutlin as you are. 1T Is all yer
good said he pleasantly, but madam,
SO good as to let me have some new mi
right from the COW, to wet this good vlcl'
ais The cows are not MIXED says sh
Then let me have bowl of cold milk
says he. i will not send the servants
this storm to the spring. house to skim it 4
you said she. sDear madam SAID h
with pleasant smile, j have good wi
at home, older than you are, who won
go out in worse storm than tins, to mi
The cows, and bring the milk to The poo
est man on earth, at his request; or
bring the milk from the spring house, crea
and all 'oithout Swimming, to feed one OF Il
most obiect Of the human race,' "
have very good wife at home says st
Indeed have said he, and she keeps q
clothes clean and whole; and notwit
\ standing you called me ian old ragmufIin
am not ashamed 10 appear abroad in I