Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1859-07-08
5Etliistfllaueous.

/ ). sssGal1iraits ct John Marshal.

John Marshal was never more respected
than when he was throwing quoits, with his
coat off, under the trees. Affection was
added to admiration, that was all. All felt
what the bitter orator of Roanoke did when
he said in the old Convention Of 1928. Il
know the goodness Of his heart too we'll to
have supposed it possible that he could have
intended to give me pain. Sir, believe
that like my Uncle Toby he would not
even hurt fly" He never wounded any
body, I believe, in all his life. One who
knew him well-a man whom I loved and
respected us I never loved or respected any
other man on earth, known in life, or read
of mean my father--told me that this
kindness and sweetness Of nature was 50 de-
Ilightful that it was like going Into sunshine
to enter the presence Of Marshal. His bon
Ihommie was perfect, and endeared him to
old and young A thousand anecdotes are
told Of it, and of his simplicity. "A gen
tleman informed me not long since that his
father, when boy, had been clerk in one
Of the Courts. and one day was sent ronnd
to the Chief JUSTICES house with bundle
of law papers. He was mere youth at
the time, copyist in the Office, and his ju-
venile mind had been overshadowed by the
renown and dignity Of the Chief Justice
He therefore approached the square old
mansion on Marshal street with something
very like awe, and knocked at the door
there was no bell-with no little apprehen-
sion Of the parsonage whom he was about
to see. The Judge came to the door him.
self and welcomed him into his study with
a smile, making him sit down while he ex-
amined the papers. This ceremony per-
formed, the awful parsonage turned upon
the boy, whose fears had not Departed
The lips ofthe great functionary opened, he
stretched out his hand, and uttered the ter
rible words, "Your name is Jimmy H
is it not. my boy ?" Eyes, sir" faltered
the youth. "Well, Jimmy" continued the
Chief justice. rising with alacrity, "let as
go into the back gard and haze game of
marbles" And the game was played ac-
cordingly, which triumphed I did not hear.
Other anecdotes are better known, but one
or two may be briefly related, as adding to
the picture which | wish topreaent. Ithas
always been habit Of manly gentlemen Of
Richmond to 60 to market themselves, and
sometimes to carry home their own baskets
Of provisions. Judge Marshal pursued this
course frequently, and he might often be
seen returning at sunrise from the ''Old
Market toll his house on Shockoe Hill, with
poultry in one hand and a basket of yege-
| tables in the other. One morning at the
market young fashionable who had late
| ly removed to the city was heard swearing
violently. He could hire no one to carry
home turkey Which he had purchased. -
In the midst Of his profanity plainly clad
old countryman, apparently, approached
and asked where he lived. The young man
informed him. and his reply was, THAT is
my way, and will take it for you" He
accordingly took the turkey; the young
gentleman strobe before and they soon
feached the house, whereupon the fashion
dble took out his purse and said negligently
''What shall pay7" "Oh, nothing, sir"
was the reply; you are quite Welcome; it
was on my way, and no trouble" With
which words the plain old man bowed, and
continued his way. The other paused and
looked after him; there was something in
the bow and smile which struck him. who
is that old fellow who brought my turkey
honey he asked Of an acquaintance pass
ing. "The Chief Justice Of the United
States" was his answer; and lie brought
home your turkey to give you areprimand,
and learn you to attend to your own bust
ness" Such is the anecdote. which is en-
tire true-an actual occurrence. That the
good Judge, however, did it to ''reprimand''
the youthful gallant, I do not believe. It
was more probably the result Of his kindly
and obliging nature, which prompted him
to serve the least amiable Of his fellow-crea-
lures. I doubt if he would have cared to
be recognized beneath his plain garb.-
This plainness more than once stood in bis
way, and / shall present single other an
ecdote upon the subject.
One morning after comm encing the prac-
tice Of the law, he was strolling along Main
street, or. as they called it then, .'Bricl
Row" dressed ID linen roundabout, knee