The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-03-01
MISCELLANEOUS.
GUILTY, BUT DRUNK!
Dan Marbles Story Of a Georgia Judge.

Not few Of our readers, West ant
Soutl', who had the pleasure of an acquain
tance with Dan Marble, will recognize tn,
irresistible story he used to tell of tn,
stolen spoons and the Georgia Judge
Col. Bradbury, we believe, dressed up the
joke and set it going, and partially in
that guise we give it place in our col.
umns.
Many years ago, while the State q
Georgia was yet in its infancy, an eccen
trio creature named Brown, was one o
the Circuit Judges. He was man Of
ability, Of inflexible integrity, and much
beloved and respected 10y all the legal
profession, but he had one fault. His So
cial qualities would lead him, despite his
judgment, into frequent excuses. In trav.
cling the Circuit, it was his almost inva-
riable habit, the night before opening the
Court TO get Comfortably corned," by
occasions. If he couldn't succeed while
operating upon his own hook, the gentle
men Of the law would generally turn in
and help him.
1t was in the spring Of the year. taking
his wife-a model Of n woman in her way
jim the old fashioned, but strong, "car.
ry all" he journeyed some 70, ty miles, and
reached the village where the ''cc urt" was
to be opened the next day. 1t was along
in the evening of Sunday that he arrived
at the place, and took up his quarters
with a relation Of his "better half" by
whom the presence Of the official dignity
was considered singular honor. After
supper, Judge Brown strolled over to the
only tavern in the town, where he found
many old friends, called to the place ike
himself on important professional busi-
ness, and who were proper glad to meet
him.
Gentlemen" said the Judge, "tis quite
long time since We have enjoyed a
glass together-let US take horn all
around. OF course, StesTiii," addressing
the landlord, "you have better liquor than
you bad tue last time we were here-the
stuff you had then was unfit to give a
dog"
Sterritt, who had charge of the house
pretended that every thing was right. and
SO they went to work. 1t is unnecessary
TO enlarge upon drinking bout in a
country tavern-it will quite answer our
purpose to state that somewhere in the
region Of midnight, the Judge wended his
very devious way toward his temporary
home. About the time Inc was leaving
howeysr, some young barrister, fond Of a
practical joke, and not much afraid Of the
bench, transferred all the silver spoons Of
Sterritt into the Judges pocket.
IL was eight o'clock on Monday morn.
ing that the Judge rose. Having indulg.
ed In the process Of abluton and al,s,er.
ton, and partaken Of cheerful and ne
freshing breakfast, he went to hA reo,n 10
prepare for the duties Of the day.
.Well, Polly" said he to bis wife, az
feel much better than expected TO feel
after the frolic of last night"
"Ah, Judge" said she, reproachiully,
ayou are getting too old--you ought to
leave OF that business now.s
"Ah, Polly, what's the use Of talk
ingi'
u was at this precise instant Of time
that the yudge, having put on his over
coat, was proceeding, according to his
nsuai eusiom. 10 give his wife parting
hiss. that he happshel to thrust his hand
into bis pocket, and laid hold Of Sterrits,.
,pccnA He pulled them out. With an