The Reminiscences of Sir Henry Hawkins (Baron Brampton)Brampton, Henry Hawkins, Baron
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The Reminiscences of Sir Henry Hawkins (Baron Brampton)
Brampton, Henry Hawkins, Baron
Brampton, Henry Hawkins, Baron, 1817-1907; Judges -- Great Britain -- Biography
My little Jack was given to me when quite a puppy by my old and very
dear friend Lord Falmouth. He was brought to me by Lady Falmouth, and
from that time his history was my history, for his companionship was
constant and faithful; in my hours of labour and of pleasure he was
always with me, and I believe, if I had had any sorrows, he would have
shared them as he did my pleasures--nay, these he enhanced more than I
can tell.
Of course he invariably came circuit, and sat with me in my lodgings
and on the Bench, where he would patiently remain till the time came
to close my notebook for the day. Whether he liked it or not I am
unable to say, but he seemed to take an interest in the proceedings.
About this, however, his reminiscences will speak for themselves. He
always occupied the seat of honour in the Sheriff's carriage, and
walked to it with a dignity worthy the occasion. I am glad to say the
Judges all loved Jack, and treated him most kindly, not for my sake,
but, I believe, for his own--although, I may add in passing, he
sometimes gave them a pretty loud rebuke if they showed any approach
to ill-humour on an occasional want of punctuality in coming into
court. Some of them were exceedingly particular in being up to time to
a _moment_; and I should have equal to the occasion at all times, but
that I had to give Jack a run before we started for the duties of the
day. It was necessary for his health and good behaviour. On circuit,
of course, whenever there was little to do--I am speaking of the
Midland particularly, although the Western was quite as pleasant--I
gave him longer runs. For instance, in Warwick Park nothing could be
more beautiful than to loiter there on a summer morning amongst the
cedars on the beautiful lawn.
It may seem unreasonable to say so, but Jack almost seemed to be
endowed with human instincts. He was as restless as I was over long,
windy speeches and cross-examinations that were more adapted for
the smoking-room of a club than a court of justice; and in order to
repress any tendency to manifest his displeasure I gave him plenty of
exercise in the open air, which made him sleep generally when counsel
began to speak.
Having mentioned the commencement of my companionship with Jack, which
in these reminiscences I would on no account omit, I shall let him
hereafter tell his own experience in his own way.
JACK'S REMINISCENCES.
I was born into the family of my Lord Falmouth, and claim descent from
the most well bred of my race in this kingdom, the smooth fox terrier.
All my ancestors were noted for their love of sport, their keen sense
of humour, and hatred of vermin.
At a very early period of my infancy I was presented to Sir Henry
Hawkins, one of Her Majesty's Judges of the High Court, who took a
great fancy to me, and, if I may say so without appearing to be vain,
at once adopted me as his companion and a member of his family.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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