Barnum was asked in court how he lived without any means, and he answered: “I hired a furnished house in Eighth Street last December, where my family resides, and where we have kept five boarders from the first day that we took the house.” “Do you pretend to say that you make your living by keeping boarders?” asked the lawyer. “Partly so; my vegetables were raised last year on my land in Connecticut, and my son-in-law at Bridgeport sends me a box of meat every week. I have also a few friends who would not let me exactly starve this year. I have received various letters from friends at a distance offering to send me money, which I have declined. One wealthy gentleman, whom I scarcely knew in Bridgeport, offered to be one of ten to raise me $100,000, without security, if I could be relieved from clock debts and return to Connecticut to reside. But I desired no assistance, and would not receive it.” “What does your wardrobe consist of?” the lawyer asked. “I am ready to answer truthfully all civil questions,” said Barnum, “but I will not be insulted! My position is not a pleasant one, but I shall try to meet all my troubles with patience. If you choose to trifle unnecessarily with my feelings, however, I shall be protected by the Court, or will protect myself.” “By advice of his counsel, Mr. Barnum answered the question,” said the _New York Tribune_. “I have only one suit of clothes besides the one on my back, and this you will see is rather seedy.” “Do you own a gold watch?” Mr. Barnum was much nettled, and appealed to his counsel, who told him he was bound to answer the question. “Yes, sir.” “What did it cost?” “About $250.” “Where is it?” “I believe it is in my pocket.” “Do you own any diamonds?” “Does that look like a diamond?” asked Barnum, pointing to a plain gold pin on his cravat. “That is not answering my question,” said the lawyer. “I own a diamond pin and ring, which cost about $300.” “Where are they?” “I can produce them when they are wanted.” “Do you own a pianoforte?” “I do,” said Barnum, and added triumphantly, “but, unfortunately for you, it is mortgaged for about its full value. I have had the money and spent it.” “Have you any money in the bank?” “I have no money except what is in my pocket.” “How much is that?” “I can count it for you, but there is less than $25.” “Never mind, I don’t want it, if that is all you have got.” “Mr. Barnum: ‘Then I shall probably spend it before long.’”[16] In an examination on March 20, 1856, Barnum made a significant statement: