The little ones cried for some, and Brother John inquired into matters. He would eat no more of the bread, which could not be shared with us. He was greatly distressed at the straits to which the fortunes of war had reduced us. And Mother had not intended him to know our condition. _From the Green Bag_ HIS MOTHER John Marshall’s mother, Mary Isham Keith, was a woman of great force of character and strong religious faith. She was pleasing in mind, person, and manners. And her son loved her with that chivalrous tender devotion, which made him gentle with all women throughout his life. A few weeks before his death, John Marshall told his friend, Judge Story, that he had never failed to repeat each night, through his long life, the little prayer which begins:-- _Now I lay me down to sleep_, that he had learned, when a baby, at his mother’s knee. _Sallie E. Marshall Hardy_ (_Arranged_) HIS FATHER His father, Thomas Marshall, served with great distinction during the War for Independence. He was a man of uncommon capacity and vigour of intellect. John Marshall, after he became Chief Justice, used often to speak of him in terms of the deepest affection and reverence. Indeed, he never named his father, without dwelling on his character with a fond and winning enthusiasm. “My father,” he would say with kindled feelings and emphasis, “my father was a far abler man than any of his sons. To him I owe the solid foundation of all my own success in life.” _Justice Joseph Story_ (_Condensed_) THREE STORIES _What was in the Saddlebags_ One Autumn, John Marshall was invited to visit Mount Vernon, in company with Washington’s nephew. On their way to Mount Vernon, the two travellers met with a misadventure, which gave great amusement to Washington, and of which he enjoyed telling his friends. They came on horseback, and carried but one pair of saddlebags, each using one side. Arriving thoroughly drenched by rain, they were shown to a chamber to change their garments. One opened his side of the bags, and drew forth _a black bottle of whiskey_. He insisted that he had opened his companion’s repository. Unlocking the other side, they found _a big twist of tobacco, some corn bread, and the equipment of a pack-saddle_. They had exchanged saddlebags with some traveller, and now had to appear in a ludicrous misfit of borrowed clothes! _Eating Cherries_ After the war, John Marshall studied law, and began practice in Virginia courts. He served in many important offices both of his State and of the Nation. Here is a little story told of him when he first began his practice. At that time, he was very simple though neat, in his dress.