n America, and not in England since Lord Mansfield
was the recipient of similar honors at the hands of Erskine and the
other lights of the British bar. A committee which included several of
the foremost lawyers in New York City, and officially representing the
Bar of the Third District, came in a special car from New York to
Cooperstown to present to Judge Nelson an address expressive of
appreciation of his long service on the bench, and of regret at his
retirement, in sympathy with similar resolutions adopted in Albany and
Washington.

It was a gala day in Cooperstown when its most distinguished citizen was
so honored. The streets, glistening with snow, were filled with people
careering about in sleighs. The American flag flapped in the breeze from
the tall liberty-pole which then stood at the midst of the cross-roads
where Main and Pioneer streets intersect. A horse-race upon the frozen
lake had been arranged for the entertainment of the visitors, and some
of the young people had bob-sleds ready, prepared to give the
distinguished metropolitan lawyers a thrilling ride down the slope of
Mt. Vision when the ceremonies should be over.

In the early afternoon the legal and judicial delegation walked quietly
two by two to the residence of Judge Nelson, which, although now invaded
by the business requirements of the village, still holds its place on
Main Street. In the procession were three federal judges, and a dozen
chosen members of the bar of New York. The door of the old house, at
which nobody stops to knock any more, was thrown open to receive the
distinguished delegation. The villagers had gathered in the
drawing-room, at the left of the entrance, to take part in the
ceremonies. Among many ladies who graced the scene the three daughters
of Fenimore Cooper were particularly noted by the visitors. The retired
judge sat in his armchair, arrayed in black, wearing a high choker
necktie, while Mrs. Nelson, a lovely old lady with a face as fresh at
seventy as a summer rain, supported herself on the arm of the chair. The
judicial delegation came into the parlor led by Judge Woodruff, E. W.
Stoughton, Judge Benedict, and Judge Blatchford, while Clarence A.
Seward, Sidney Webster and others followed. Judge Nelson retained his
seat, and the most impressive silence prevailed. Then Stoughton,
chairman of the committee, after some introductory remarks, read the
address which had been prepared by the Bar of New York.

At the con