Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-05-19
0le doftaae 9ellfilleI
Chief Justice Marshall.

This learned and estimable man was
noted for his extreme plainness Of person
and address, and childlike simplicity of
character. His carelessness of personal
attire, in early life particularly, is well
known, and on one occasion, (as stated in
the Literary Messenger,) while travelling,
occasioned his being refused admittance into
public house. On the occasion to which
we are now about to relate, it caused him
the loss of a generous fee. Marshall, when
just rising on the professional ladder, was
one morning strolling through the streets of
Richmond, attired in plain linen round
about and shorts, with his hat under his arm,
from which he was eating cherries, when
he stopped on the porch ofthe Eagle Hotel,
indulged in some little pleasantly with the
landlord, and passed on. Mr.. p, an elder
ly gentlemen from the country, then present,
who had case coming on before the court
Of appeals, was referred by the landlord to
Marshall, as the best advocate for him to
employ; but the careless languid air of the
young lawyer so prejudiced Mr. P. that he
refused to engage him. On entering court,
Mr.. P. was second time referred to him
by the clerk of the court, and second time
he declined. At this moment entered Mr..
", venerable looking legal gentleman,
in apowdered wig and black coat, whose
dignifed appearance produced such an
impression on Mr.. P, that he at once en-
gagged him. In tho first case which came
on, Marshall and Mr.. " both addressed the
court. The yast nferiority of his advocate
was so apparent, that at the close of the case,
Mr.. P. introduced himself to young Mar
shall, frankly stated the prejudices which
had caused him, in opposition to advice, to
employ Mr.. ", that he extremely regretted
his error, but knew not how to remedy it.
He had come into the city with one hundred
dollars, as his lawyers fee, which he had
paid, and had but five left, which, if Mr..
Marshall chose, he would cheerfully give
him for assisting in the case. Marshall
pleased with the incident, accepted the offer;
not, however, without passing sly joke at
the omnipotence of a powdered wig and a
black coat. Marshall was accustomed to
60 to market, and frequently Unattended
Nothing was more usual than to see him
return at sunrise, with poultry in one hand
and vegetables in the other.
On one Of these occasions, would be
fashionable young man from the North,
who had recently removed to Richmond,
was swearing violently because he could
hire no one to take home his turkey
Marshall stepped up, and ascertaining Of
him where he.lived, replied, "that is my
way, and'I will take it for YOU" When
he arrived at his dwelling, the young man
inquired, "What shall | pay you?" so,
nothing" was the rejoinder, ''you are wei
come; it was on my way and no trouble"
'sWho is that polite old man who brought
home my turkey for me9' inquired the
other of a bystander, as Marshall stepped
away. "That," replied he, sis John Mar
shall, Chief Justice Of the United States" +"
The young man astounded, exclaimed,
"Why did he bring home my turkeyp'
"To give you severe reprimand, and
teach you to attend to your own business
was the answer.