Many interesting and amusing stories have been told of the late Judge
Jeremiah Black, an eminent jurist and a very prominent member of
President Buchanan's Cabinet. On one occasion the judge and a legal
friend were coming out of the Capitol at Harrisburg, Pa. The judge was
busy discussing a certain case at law in which he was interested, and
his friend was very hungry. "Say, judge," said he, "let's get something
to eat. I'm awful hungry." "Well," said the judge, "come on. Right down
this street is a good place. I know it well." And they walked on arm in
arm, the judge laying down the law as they proceeded. To the amazement
of the judge they pulled up in front of an engine house!
"Oh, no," said the judge, laughing, "I've made a mistake. This isn't the
place. Oh--I see. It's right up this street around the corner." Around
the corner they went, walked three blocks and halted in front of a
church!
Again the judge looked foolish and said: "Oh, no. This isn't the place
either. Let me see. Oh--now I have it. The place I was thinking of is
in--Baltimore!"
His companion groaned and made a break for the nearest hotel.