The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-03-26
From The Courts and Lawyers of Maine,
BY William Willis.
Anecdotes Of Maine Lawyers.

SOCIAL UsA0Es Of 1HE bAh fhioh ~ LIE
REVOLUTION.
The social usuges of that, and more re-
cent period, were unfavorable TO the habits Of
lawyers Their number was small, their meet
ings rare, and their spirits genial; and when
they met on the occasion OF the assembling Of
the courts, 1t was natural that they should un-
bend, and relax the conventional habits which
their position in general society required them
TO maintain. 1t was their custom while on
the circuits to have evening gatherings, at
which the favorite beverages OF the day, flip
and punch, were freely circulated; and the
gay sessions were often protracted through
the long hours OF the night On these occa-
sions, they frequently held mock courts, in
which one OF their number was appointed
Judge. and trials took place for breaches of
good fellowship, or some imaginary offences.
On one of these occasions, in York County,
Mr. Lowell, afterwards United States Judge,
arrived during the session of the court at Bid
deford, and tying his horse at the door of the
tavern, went In 70 seek lodgings; but the
landlord being unable to accommodate him
he was Obliged to obtain other quarters, and
Inadvertently left his horse all night at the
door where he was first fastened. This was
considered In the mock court high offence,
for which he WAS called to answer; the land
lord was also placed on trial for his neglect Of
the horse. David Farnham was appointed
Judge Amer long hearing and argument,
the landlord was fined bowl Of good punch
for his neglect, and Lowell was fined twice as
much for suffering the poor animal to remain
ali night at the door. The sentence was car
ried into immediate execution. Mr.. Lowell,
born In Newbury, In 1743, became q distin-
guished Judge OF the United States Court and
father OF no less distinguished sons, John,
Francis c., and Charles Lowell. He died in
1902.
On another occasion, Noah Emery was ac-
cused of calling the high sheriff, Leighton, a
fool For this weighty offence he was brought
before the court, and the allegation being
proved, the court taking into consideration the
circumstances of the offence, ordered Emery
to pay one pipe of tobacco; and the sheriff to
ton. The equity Of this admirable institution
will be at once perceived in the exact justice
EefiaKas measured out to both parties, the
coss-r..a, slHaYs innrine In the beneft. SaG. tea
were partakers.
SALMON cHAsE's "FRANK MANNER"
Mr. Chase graduated at Dartmouth College
In l765, after which he went to Portsmouth.
New Hampshire, TO take charge of a school, and
became a student at law with Judge Sherburne.
On completing his studies, he established
himself In Portland, where he continued in the
quiet and uninterrupted pursuit of his profess
sion until his death, in 1906 at the age of for
ty-fve. One Of his contemporaries thus spoke
Of him: salmon Chase was sound lawyer,
but not an eloquent advocate. He was wont
to say, that let him prepare himself as thor
oughly as he might, and be possessed of all the
law and facts OF his case, when he arose TO ad-
dress the jury, his mind seemed to be in chaos
be could not collect and arrange his thoughts,
nor satisfy himself in the presentation Of his
cause" learn from the same respected au-
thority, that she was kind and amiable man,
easy and accessible In his manners, and of fine
personal appearance. From his sincerity and
frank manner, he always had great influence
with the jury. On one occasion he was en-
gagged In a cause in the Common Pleas, before
Chief Justice Lewis, an old man, with Mellen
and Hopkins, who being both excited, we're
continually sparring with each other, to the
great annoyance of the bar, In the midst of
which the judge was quietly enjoying his nap.
Chase, out Of patience, jumped up and said,
ber."
Mr.. Chase was the uncle of the respected
Secretary Of the Treasury of the United States,
who was named for hisuncle, and to prevent
any mistake In the case, the name of port
isnd'was added, and Salmon Portland Chase,
perpetuates the name and residence of the
honored subject of our notice.
WA. sYMMEs AND THE COURT OF ERRORS.
One Of his students-William Freeman
INV hsiuk ~ dIl dQNduceu age IN ClerTy1eIO.
has given me bis impressions of Mr. Symmes.
which, coming from SO reliable source, are
justly appreciated he says, /" Great confidence
was felt In his opinions on all occasions, and
especially on legal questions He was unaues-
tionably the best and most reliable lawyer in
the State OF his time" He then speaks of the
cloud which was cast upon his latter days BY
theuse ofintoxicating drinks; and adds, soften,
when mellow with brandy, his favorite drink.
he brilliant and lt<xht
subject under discussion than any other speak
err 1t was probably under the influence of
his hvorite beverage that scene between him
and Judge Thatcher took place. Mr.. Symmes
had made motion TO the Court, which he was
zealously arguing, notwithstanding frequent
interruptions BY the judge. Thatcher at last
became impatient. and said, Mr.. Symmes.
you need not persist In arguing the point, for
! am not a court of errors, and cannot give
final Judgment / know replied Symmes,
= that you can't give final judgment, but as
70 your not being court Of errors, will not
say
LAWYERS RHYMES.
The folowingjeu d. esprit was sent by Judge
MelIen, in 1901, TO Clerk Sewall. afd is fol-
flowed by Mr.. Sewall's answer. They appeared
IN the Portsmouth Advertiser, October IL,
1901.
SQUIRE SEwALL, Sm-be pleased TO lend me.
Or give me-or, at least, to send me.
Twelve blanks of Court of Common Pleas.
Touched off on paper smooth as grease,
With the great name of your great Honor,
Stuck down, to sanction, at one corner
want them soon to keep law going,
For law sets other blessings flowing
Because. as lore Of ready rhino
l. the root Of evil you and know,
Law scatters wide this evil stuff,
I'LL the poor souls hayn't half enough
To keep their bodies from the Jail.
90 by next post, sir, do not fail
To frank them, without further telling;
And you'll oblige your friend, p MELLEx.
The Clerks answer:
SQUIRE MELLEN, SIR-See here send YOU
Twelve blank court writs, which will lend Won
Till the next court; and l expect
To fill them you win not neglect
And if you want, I'll send you more,
By single dozen, or by score.
dou'il get them served which done, you'll venture
On the clerks docket all to enter
VIuAk - 49, Al