“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 has no jurisdiction whatever.  This fact seems to have been forgotten by the parties.”

The following is the order then entered as directed by Justice Field: 

“Whereas it appears from the report to this court of the Examiner in Chancery in this case appointed to take the depositions of witnesses, that on the 3d day of August, instant, at his office, counsel of the parties appeared, namely, William M. Stewart, Esquire, and Oliver P. Evans, Esquire, for the complainant, and W.B.  Tyler, Esquire, for the defendant, and the defendant in person, and that during the examination before said examiner of a witness named Piper, the defendant became excited and threatened the life of the counsel of the complainant present, and exhibited a pistol with a declared intention to carry such threat into effect, thereby obstructing the order of the proceedings, and endeavoring to bring the same into contempt; and

    “Whereas it further appears that said defendant habitually
    attends before said examiner carrying a pistol,