Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1846-10-09
CHIEF JUSTICE MARSHALL.

Having met with the following anecdotc. pub
lished originally in this paper, some years ago,
we have concluded to start it again, for there
never was anything more characteristic OF the
great man whose name heads this article, than
the incident here recorded.
a. We heard recently an anecdote of this dis
tinguished man, which so strongly illustrates the
dignity and simplicity of his character that we
venture to relate it, hoping it may come into the
hands ofhis future biographer and be woven into
the thread of his narrative. 1t occurred in this
city, on the occasion of one of the Chief Justices
visits to hold the Federal Court of this District
The old crier ofthe court having removed or died,
the Marshal, Gen Daniel, selected new re-
cruit and gave him, some days beforehand the
necessary procamations and forms to commit
to memory, that he might be au fah when the
court met. The important day at length arrived
and the crier, with his task well conncd, made
his appearance. attracting the attention of every
one bv the holiness of his stride, and an air Of
conscious self-importance which he made nc
effort to conceal. Everything went off admirably
at first. The proclamation to jurors, witnesses
&c, were roared out generously, and the time
having arrived for charging the grand jury the
Chief Justice pulled out his well thumbed paper
and waiting few moments for the usual caution
of silence to be given BY the crier, but observing
no movement to that effect, commenced his
charge. He had proceeded some way in it
when the crier, aroused from his reverie, fount
what was going on. and with the quckness o
thought. stepped into the bar room between thu
court and the jury, and addressing the Judge il
mandatory voice, cried, Stop, Sir Stop
sir-Stop, sir ~ The Chief Justice, who seemed
to see in moment through the whole transac
ton, instead of ordering the crier to prison 70
contempt stopped, as commanded, and quietl.
awaited the result. A dead silence reigne
throughout the court. The fall of pin nigh
have been heard. What now mentally ex
claimed each beating bosom. The astonishmen
depicted in every countenance may well be ina
cined, when the crier, drawing himself up to hi
full length, bawled out
80 Yes 20 Yes! 0 Yes! All manner c
persons are required to keep silence, upon pal
of imprisonment while the Honorable Judge
delivering his charge to the grand Jury"
: When he had finished this proclamation, h
turued to the court with an air of complacenc,
and wave of the hand, and said to the Chic
Justice You may go on. SIR Every on
expected to see the unfortunate crier sent to Jai
as matter of course but, without cracking
! smile, the Chief Justice commenced his charg
, de moro, and went through as though nothing hi
happened. He saw at once that the conduct
I the crer proceeded from no dsrespect for Il
: court but from ignorance, and desire to pc
: form his duty punctliously, and with the kin
J., ness so characteristic of the man, overlooked Il
= whole affair. But the scene was one wortl
e the pencil of TIogarth. and deserves to be 7
corded to the honor of that great and good ma
who has passed from earth to his reward in He
von ';-P1lejph Rppisfer