minations a pistol, and had sat for some
length of time holding it in her hand, to the knowledge of all persons
present at the time. After the reading of the examiner's report in
open court, Justice Field said:

"In the case of William Sharon versus Sarah Althea Hill, the
Examiner in Chancery appointed by the court to take the
testimony has reported to the court that very disorderly
proceedings took place before him on the 3d instant; that at
that day, in his room, when counsel of the parties and the
defendant were present, and during the examination of a
witness by the name of Piper, the defendant became very much
excited, and threatened to take the life of one of the
counsel, and that subsequently she drew a pistol and declared
her intention to carry her threat into effect. It appears also
from the report of the examiner that on repeated occasions the
defendant has attended before him, during the examination of
witnesses, armed with a pistol. Such conduct is an offense
against the laws of the United States punishable by fine and
imprisonment. It interferes with the due order of proceedings
in the administration of justice, and is well calculated to
bring them into contempt. I, myself, have not heretofore sat
in this case and do not expect to participate in its decision;
I intend in a few days to leave for the East, but I have been
consulted by my associate, and have been requested to take
part in this side proceeding, for it is of the utmost
importance for the due administration of justice that such
misbehavior as the examiner reports should be stopped, and
measures be taken which will prevent its recurrence. My
associate will comment on the laws of Congress which make the
offense a misdemeanor, punishable by fine and imprisonment.

"The marshal of the court will be directed to disarm the
defendant whenever she goes before the examiner or into court
in any future proceeding, and to appoint an officer to keep
strict surveillance over her, in order that she may not carry
out her threatened purpose. This order will be entered. The
Justice then said that it is to be observed that this block,
embracing this building--the court-house--is under the
exclusive jurisdiction of the United States. Every offense
committed within it is an offense against the United States,
and the State