Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1840-10-03
WESTERN COURT OF JUSTICE.

WESTERN COURT OF JUSTICE
The little log cabins of the west, with their
puncheon floors and rough hcwn fixtures, dedicated
to the administration of the laws Of the land, often
furnish matter for a laugh TO the lovers of the
whimsical in the oddity of the characters exhibited
in their precincts. The rosrcr Of the backwoods |
ampIiies on larger scale, than when drawn up /
tefore his betters plaintiff, defendant or more
especially witness-It is in this latter character
that he mos, cmphatcay shows himself, and brings |
out his powers of oratory to the best advantage |
Glowing with the importance of his position, hs
words most ap,ly and deca,ely chosen, his elo-
qucncc most discursivc and flowing and his dction
most chase and impressive. He delights in ancc-
dn,es, and relates his knowledge of the matter in
hand with all the vividness Of the chief actor in the
.cene retains his opinion with all the caution OF
one upon whom the fate Of nations yet unborn
depends.
"Call Pierce Taylor" said western attorney,
in case where the character OF previous witness
was called in question.
Mr.. Taylor made his appearance. He
tall epa,e, hard locking subject, with mop of
sandy hair covering countenance in which the
deep tan ofexp sure, and the bright red Of disspa-
ton struggled for the mastery. His dress was
purely domestic, and as purely original in it's Gu,
and fitting, and hung around him with looseness
that might without exaggera,ion be called perfect.
Mr.. Taylor made leg-tippcd the judge know
ing wink, much to say, 'How you old
covey!'-smiled complacently on the bar, while on
his brow psy dignity sat in state, indicating plain
ly encu n ,ha, no had not forgotten his affections
for fog cutters and l l o'clocks, and didn't il
he di throw in a jiggcr occasionally, by way Of
helping along on extraordinary occasions.
"What do you know about the character of the
Witness" inquired the limb of the law.
II don't always tell all 1 know" solcmnly an
swered the witness.
"Plcase answer the question, Mr.. Taylor sal,
the man of pleadings.
: "some people tells what they knows easier thai
Others" said the witness; +" for my part il woul'
take me some time to go into all the particulars o
what know. must have time to think"
"Teil lus what you know, if you pl ese"
Don't pu, me out, I'm thinking! This is al
important matter, and requires consideration"
4 "Answcr the QUESTION"
, "Thcre, you've discomboberafed all my idea
with your larn'd noise and must begin agau
0 This i, an important"
, "Answer the question:"
.'No you don't! I'm sot up here to tell m
opinion and wan, time TO make il up Their
MANY things to be considered on both sides, and
:, must have time TO think. This is an"
= "Will you answer the question, Mr.. Taylor
=, said the judge, rather sternly.
I "You can't sore me, Mr.. Judge" replied ii
l. witness with great dignity; al han't made up IN
d mind ON This question, and can't make it up in
IA hurry, aud this is an impor-'
rs "Wi you answer the question:
y "Perhaps will, when I've made up my mud
9, never make up my mini in hurry. new
N knew any thing done in hurry that was
II "Perhsps you can make up your mind in jail,
y Taylor" said the judge, "Commit the witness
he iail for six hours, end then bring him before Il
III Court" and Mr.. Taylor was led OF to duranS
D. wondering oil the while what could have induc'
{ his Honor To commit him, when he was doing b
o' umos, to enlighten him upon very importa
'' subject, and considering himself as very illus
individual. Bs.6dloe Sentinel