from 1806 to 1851 127

The Court of Appeals of Maryland hold their summer term
at Annapolis in June and July. The members of the bar from
various parts of the State assemble here at this session, and are
generally lodged in one hotel. When Mr. Wirt was Attorney
General he regularly attended this court.⁵⁰ He and Mr. Mere-
dith ⁵¹ usually occupied a large comfortable chamber in the
hotel in common, when the house was too much crowded to
allow them separate apartments. In that day, Annapolis had
not fully advanced to that stage in modern progress, which
made the traveller always sure of a single bedded room,—even
in this the chief tavern of the city. Most of the rooms of this
house were still arranged in the old fashion,—very large, with
several windows in each room, and these generally without
shutters. Each chamber furnished accommodation for a little
squad of legislators in winter, and of lawyers in the summer.

The weather, during the sitting of the court, was often very
hot. The bench and bar made a mess who dined together; and
it was usual after dinner, when the allowance of champagne
was exhausted, to spend an hour in the evening siesta. Some-
times, instead of sleeping, several gathered together in one room,
and amused themselves in that easy and sportive story-telling
diversion, which is characteristic of the leisure of the profession.
Wirt's and Meredith's room was apt to be the resort of a little
"college of wit-crackers" at these times. Not ^infrequently, two
or three might be seen stretched on one of the beds, with their
feet set up against each bed post, whilst Wirt in a loose, light
wrapper, either walked the room or sat in the breeze of the
window, indulging in all kinds of waggery. * * * As the sun
went down, his thoughts were directed to a swimming party in
the Severn, which was a favorite recreation after a hot day.
"The hour is come"—I have heard him say: "Let us be off

50. He was admitted in 1821.

51. Jonathan Meredith, of Baltimore—"who to the manner of a man
of the world joined the knowledge which placed him high in the
ranks of his profession; remarkable for careful preparation and
studied delivery, few men addressed the bench, who received more
careful attention. When he had completed the investigation of a
case, it could fairly be assumed that nothing more was to be
found in the books regarding it." Semmes, 206.
"He is a very pleasant and a very good fellow; or, as he says,
while he is throwing himself down on his bed to take an after-
noon's nap, 'a safe companion and an easy friend.'" Wirt to
William Pope, June 24, 1828. Kennedy, II, 249.