The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1839-09-17
From The National mtelLigencer.
DANIEL WEBSTER.

R-MAss. July, 1885,
DEAR SIR: You remark that Mr. Webster is
cold and distant in his manners Have you not
been accustomed to view him through the mag
nlfying5 glass ofhis great Reputation, and has
not this magic of your own fancy thrown over
hlm n false CO loring, which belongs rather to
you than him? Have you not been accustomed
to see him at Washington, where, while other
great men are smiling, and playing the villain,
webster IS deeply bordering upon his duties?
Where, while others are trying to make friends
and Hattering their way 60 preierment, he is care
worn from the laboratory of thought, where he
% has been subJectIng 'Nnlhfication,' or the Sub
treasury, or some similar scheme, to tie cruci-
bic OF truth? In either of these cases. you could
not see Mr. Webster in the right light. Let me
takesyou, in Imagination to his residence, which
you know. is at Marshiied, near the seashore,
and some twenty miles southeast from Boston,
few years since, Mr.. Webster was near his
grounds, and close TO the bank ola small stream.
The showers had been plentiful. and this riv-
er was itill up to the brim. An old man came
along on foot and meeting Mr. Webster, without
knowing him, inquired the way 70 a certain
house in the vicinity.-Mr Webster told him thar
he must take path which led across the stream
The old man remarked that the river appeared
10 dc deep, and asked if there was no other yyav
OF reaching the place of his destination. Being
informed that there was no other, he seemed
TO be IN some anxiety, when Mr. Webster offered
TO carry him over After some parley this offer
was accepted, and, mounting pair of broad
shoulders, the old man rode safely across the
stream on Dauiel Websters back. But there was
nothing IN the circumstance which seemed to
strike him as peculiar, savehhe good nature of the
act, ana IN this way he mentioned it ut the place
he was going to. The story led to some inqui-
RES, and the old man soon learnt who it was
that, as friend in neod, had been friend in
deed. ...-... ...,.,. =
Perhaps, my dear sir, if you have found Web.
ster naughty at Washington you could learn bet
ter at MarshfieId
The late Mr. WRIT was man of elegant
yet winning. mauners. He had not the sunny
address of HENRY CLAY, which makes every
mans heart he approaches melt like wax with
IN hun nor had he fascination of CALHOUN
winch would he irresistible, were il not for the
sinister rattle ihat comes faint but distinct to the
ear; nor had he the elaborate and bloated DO
hteSse OF BENTON; nor the smooth and fippant
courtilness OF VAN buren,; but he had the
best style of VIrginian manners of the old
school he was hearty, yet dgn6ed sincere,
though polite. He had often met Webster. and
as they were of the same politics they had mu-
!nol respect for each other. Wiz: remarked
however that,i spite of the many circumsian,
At iif shgl g. Webster had occasion to cali on
Writ, at his office, for he was then Attorn ey
General. Being engaged in writing at the mo-
ment he asked Mr. Webster to sit down few
minu ties at the fire, while he continued writing
at the further end of the room. Webster took
his seat and gaZed intently into the mass of
glowing anthracite. Presently, Wlrs daughter
IL beautiful child of five or six years old, came
in, and, not seeing Webser's face ms,ook him
for her father. She walked round and placing
her arm over Webster's knee, looked up famili-
nrly in his face At this instant he wit hdrew his
gaze from the fire, and looked into the eyes of
the child, vino shrunk back i'm fear. AS soon,
however, as the image of the child had reached
Webster's brain, Il Smile came over his facear
the little girl, completely won by it, smiled back
again, and instantly returned to her former po-
sition of familiarity and confidence Writ no.
ticed this little scene, and his bosom was of
nature TO feel il, He did feel it; and coming
forward, shook Websers hand heartily, the
tears trimming i'll his eyes. From that time,
according to- The report of his own words, he
felt that to suspect Webster of GOODNESS, either
of manner or heart, was to do him Injustice -
and he himself confessed that he believed the
kind of non conductor which had separated
them before, was want of simplicity and
in his mode of approaching him.
have but this remark to make that il Web
slor is distant and naughty in his manner to the
courtly and at court; ii seems not to he INDUCED
either to an old man who wishes 10 cross q
stream, or child whose face reflects the soul as
the lake gives back the image of Heaven. May
we not suppose that Webster has not forgotten
his village breeding aud that, being simple in
his feelings, simplicity is best adapted TO draw
out his kindly nature am yours, truly.
----------- f''-'rt
Revolutionary Patriots are fast dropping a.
way into the tomb. Time, as il grown restless,
like reaper at his tasl strives to hasten the
comphshment Of their destiny Make much Of
them generations now upon the stage! few
short years and not a solitary heart of the revo-
lutionary host will beat this side OF the grave
Young men, go to them, and learn OF their ex-
perience the lessons of wisdom. Treasure up
the "reminiscences Of that eventful period in