Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-02-26

- ANEcDoTE or A LOUISIANA JUDeR Old Judp
LIS, who was for years the Circuit Judge in tba
portion of louisiana known as Atiakapas county, wa,
justly celebrated for his legal learning, and was great
ly beloved by his neighbors and friends. He wat
stern, upright and konestand the death of the gooc
old man. which occurred some years ago. was uni
! Versaily regretted throughout the State.
But with all his book lore and legal attachments
ne was perhaps the greenest at cards in his en-
tire circuit. 1t has been said that he did know
the '' Jack of Trumps'' from diamond In-the vii
iage OF OPelousas, as three individuals sitting
round table. in one of those doggeries, IS with
billiard table attached which are SO common in the
Creole Parishes playing a small game of three hand.
ed poker, when quarrel ensued. which resulted in
an aggravated case of assault and battery. This did
not end the affair." for at the next term of the court
the head OF the docket stood The State of louisa
ma vs. John Allen, for assault and battery with in.
tent to kill, the body of Enos Griegs'
The trial came on, and the only witness to the af.
fray was Capt. Johnson, who was the third hand
IN the game. Johnson. who was the skipper of one
oil those crafts which transport sugar from that Sec
ton OF the country TO New Orleans, and was self
confident go ahead fellow, was as undaunted be-
lore the Judge and Jury as he would have been be-
lore the crew of his little craft. After being
sworn ne was directed to tell the Court and Jury
erythIng he knew about the affair. After clearing
his throat, he commenced by stating, g that him and
Grggs and John Allen were BouIIet's grocery
the second day of the elections when Allen proposed
tnat they shonld have small game of poker all
agreed to IT, and we went up stairs and sat down to
the game; did not know that there was any hash
feelings between Griggs and Allen, or wouldn't
played, but heard afterwards -
Here the witness was interrupted by the Court,
VINO directed him to keep all hearsays to himself and
contne himself strictly to the facts of the case.
The witness continued" Well, we sat down TO
the table-Grggs so! there, John Allen here and
there, making diagram of the clerks liable in order
to elucIdae the position of the partes) John Allen
dealt the cards, l blind. Grggs he went blind
and John Allen wouldn't see him.
The Judge, who was little eaf, was in the habit
X l.
Of sharpening his hearng-and throwing his head
little forward and sideways, interrupted the witness
oy asking him, what was tn that John Allen
didn't see Griggs?"
The witness replied, &c don't know lint he uouId /
not look at him.
Proceed" says the Judge.
-" We'll, saw him and he saw, and just at that
Stop, sir,'' says the Judge. throwing himself in
o hearing attitude" did l understand you to saw
hat you went blind 20
Yes sir went blind, and Griggs he was blind, !
Ind Allen wouldn't see, but saw Griggs, and Thea
Witness" exclaimed the Judge, striking the
'ench with his clenched fst " do hear you Alright,
r DO you say that you went blind, and then you |
\ es, Sir, replied the witness, " saw Griggs
nd Griggs saw. and just at that-''
Stop sIr, said the Judge. I" Mr.. Clerk, fine
he witness fifty dollars for contempt of Court and
ect the Sheriff to take him to JAIL and there TO keep
i'm until he receives further orders from the Court
;all up the next case, Mr.. Clerk
Capt. johnson was dumfounded. and did not awake
the reality of his condition until the Sheriff laid
is hands on him-when he exclaimed "God a
,ighty. Mr.. Judge, what have done that must 90
Jail % ;
The Judge. who was purple with rage, did not
esIgn 10 reply to poor Johnson, but reiterated the
rder with increased vehemence, and the junior mem
efs at the BAR who had been anticipating the fix that
re Captain would eventually be placed in, were con- -
lsed with laughter, which increased the rage of the
d Judge to the highest pitch. The prosecuting at
yendeavored to enlighten the Judge, and even
ally succeeded, but not until he had produced =
ck OF cards, ami after dealing out three hands,
ade the blind as clear as day to the Judge. L,
The fine and imprisonment were remitted order a.
as restored in the Court, and Capt. Johnson was Ia
stored in the Court, and Capt. Johnson was allowed %
proceed with his testimony. a;
~. 7. Spirit Of The 7Tnce cr