The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-10-07
(From LoekA@fs Llts Of Seottl
AN INCIDENT I'm sCOTTs,s LIFE.

AN hAE -
have to open The year 1918 with melancholy story
Mention has been made, than once, OF Henry we
ber poor German scholar Who escaping to this eoun-
y in 1904 from mlslortnnes in his own excited Scouts
compassion and was henceorth furnished, through ms
means, with literary employment OF various soits.
Weber was a man OF considerable learning guy oeou'
as his custom appears TO have formed an eAagseI,
ated notion Of his capacity and certainly couhtehahea
him To his own severe cost several most unfortunate
UNDERTAKINGS When not engaged on things OF more
ambitious character he had acted Tor ten years as ms
tors aIanuensis, and when the ianlly was IN
Edinburgh he very often dined with them There was
something very interesting IN his appearance and man
ners; he had fair, open countenance, IN when the
honesty and enthusiasm Of his nation were alike ssoe
his deneanor was gentle and modest aud no had not
only stock Of curious antiquarian knowledge, ous '
"reminiscences, which he detailed with amusing smPn'
city, Of early life, chequered with many stiahse
enough adventures He was, IN short, much lasoflte
with Scott and all his household; and was invited to
dine with them so frequently chiefly because his friend
was aware that he had unhappy propensity 70 aiih
ing, and was anxious to keep him away rom places
where he might have been more likely TO Indulge H.
This vice. however, had been growing upon him ana
of ate Scott had found necessary to make some rain
er severe renonsrances about habits VIII Oh were al
once nuring his health and inerruptmg his literary IN
dustry.
They had, however, parted kindly when Sc'tt eit
Edinburr at Christmas, lSl3--and the day aiieT MS
return Weber attended him as usual in his library being
employed in anscnbing extracts during several hours,
while his friend seated over against him, cohlhuea
working at the life Of Swift The light beginning 70
fail Scott threw himself back into his char, and was
about to ring for Candles when he observed ihe uer'
mans eyes fixed upon him with an unusual solemnily
of expression Weber, said he, what IS the matter
with You = Mr.. Scott said Weber, rlslng, you nave
insulted me- and bear It no longer nave brought
pair Of pistols with me, and must insist on your lahs
one Of them Instantly And with that he produced Inc
hch nd haan
laid one of them SCOTS manuscript gu are
mistaken think said Scott, in your way OF setting
about this afairbut no matter II can DC no part u
your object to annoy Mrs Scott and the children 'ere
FORE if YOU please, we will put the pistols mo ,te
drawer till after dinner and then arrangeto get togelef
like gentlemen Weber answered with equal GOODNESS,
Il believe that will be better and land the second psol
also on the table Scott locked them both y MS desk,
and said Il am glad you have felt the propney OF wha'
supgested-only let request further that nothing
NAV occur while we are at dinner to give my wife any
suspicion Of what has been passing. Weber again as
sented and Scott withdrew his dressing room, rom
which he Immediately despatched message 10 one o'
Weber's Intimate companions; and then dinner was
served and Weber Joined the family circle as usual
He conducted himself with perfect composure' ana ma
every thing seemed to 90 in the ordinary way utl
whiskey and hot water being produced, Scots isSau "
inviting his guest to help himself, mixed TWO moueia'o
tumbers Of toddy and handed one oil them 10 "eee''
who upon that started up with furious countchahce,
but instantly sat down again. and when Mrs Scott ex-
pressed her fear that he ILL., answered pacdly that
he was liable TO spasms, but the pain was gone lie
then took the glass eagerly gulped down It's contents
and pushed it back to Scott. At this moment, the
friend who had been sent for made his appearance ana
Weber, on seeing him the room, rushed past hun
and out Of the house. without stopping to put on his
hat The friend, who pursued instantly, came up with
him the end of the street, and did all he could to
sooth his agitation but in vain. The evening he
was obliged to be put in straight wastcoast, and
though in few days he exhibited such symptoms Of
recovery that he allowed to 60 by himself to pay
visit in the north Of England, he there reapsed
and continued ever afterwards hopeless unatic, being
supported to the end of his life, IN June, 1918, at
SCOTS expense. in an ASYLUM at York