The opinion was in
fact that the Hartford man's client had no case. But the
New York lawyer supposed that if the man had got Roger Minott
Sherman's opinion, and seemed to set so much store upon the
document, it was favorable to the party who had consulted
him. He was much alarmed and settled the case on favorable
terms to his antagonist.
Mr. Sherman was famous for his quickness of wit. A story
went the rounds of the papers in my youth, which may or may
not have any truth in it, but which I will record. It is
said that he was once arguing a case against Nathan Smith,
a very able but rather coarse lawyer. Mr. Smith had discussed
the question of law with the subtilty for which he was distinguished.
Mr. Sherman said to the court that he thought his brother
Smith's metaphysics were out of place in that discussion;
that he was not adverse to such refinement at a proper time,
and would willingly, on a fit occasion, chop logic and split
hairs with him. Smith pulled a hair out of his own head,
and holding it up, said,--"Split that." Sherman replied, quick
as lightning, "May it please your Honor, I didn't say bristles.
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