Washington telegraph., 1850-12-11

AFORESAID, 10 reStCe at SAID port oil delivery.
Approved September %, 1850.
~SI~~-~~oAY-~o~
Mr.. Webster has been sojourning for
the last few days st Elns Farm, The
place of his bir!A, III Franklin, N. IL. A
delegation of his. old friends and Ugh
bors, many Of whom were companions
af his younger days, among whom were
the Hon Moses Norris, U. s. Senator,
Judge Upaam, Gen. Low. Hon. c. H.
Peaslee, aCd Gen. Frank Pierce, called to
paw their respects to him, and during the
visit sat down to regular old fashioned
dinner. The occasion was one OF great
enjoyment, and many toasts and speeches
were delivered. The Hon. Richard
Aver proposed the. following sentiment:
Our Host-To the genius, patriotism,
and courage which SO efectually and op-
portunely iuterposed for the preservation
of the Union, we tender our lasting
gratitude Liberty aud Union now and
forever, one and inseparable."
Mr.. Webster in reply said That the
present was not a fitting occasion to
touch upon politics. which he should let
alone. lie was glad to see around his
table many old friends and companions Of
his younger DAYS, which brought to mind
many pleasing "reminiscences, aud afford
ed him indiscribahle pleasure. The allu-
sion 10 his course in the Senate, howev-
er. and the appreciation it had met with
bv his friends present, who had made
manifestation of their feelings, was such
source of deep qualification TO him.
that he could not help reverting 10 IL.
This was sufficient to- repay him ior the
trials and sufferings he had gone through,
and il mattered but little at this day
whether opinion should sustain him III
his course, so long as he felt that he had
done his duty to his country. and alone
for his count:y's good. He had lived the
best portion of his life-the past was Sc
cured TO him, AMI could not be taken
from him. He asked for no more. lie
had no other wi$hto crafty. for he felt
there was no sacrifice TOO great for him
TO make in sustaining the welfare OF has
country. For six long months, from the
7lh March, to the .17th September, he
had not slept over two hours amy one
night. Senators sat III their seats day
and night.
1t was the crisis, and it was fearful
and terrible one. No ray Of hope. no
CLEAN Of support came from any one.
All looked dark and gloomy-all were
grave and sulien. and no smile or reliet
cheered The hours of despair. lie had
taken this resolution and determined to
sacrifice himself for the countrys cause.
He stood forth alone and unsupported
from New England 10 strike blow at
all haZZards for the preservation cf the
Union His friend from New Hamp-
shire, Senator Norris, was the first TO
step forward with him iuto the breach,
ard he would here observe, that toward
those who acted with him The Senator from
Michigan, MIR. Cass, the Senator from
Indiana, MIR. Bright, the Senator from
Illinois, Mr.. Douglas, the Senator from
Mississippi. Mr.. toote, and Others he
could never again entertain that feeilhS
of political opposition which he had Tor
merly felt. The ancient fued was at an
end, and hereafter he should greet those
gentlemen with feelings of the most SIN
cere esteem and warmest friendship. 1t
was the same feeling which men have
who have tough: side by side together
through some bloody combat. Alter the
battle is over they become forever en-
deared to each other. if only for the CON-
mon dangers and hardship they passed
through.
In sustaining the position he had taken'
he felt he was but maintaining the laws
and the constitution, guarding the rights
of the South, and advocating the harmo-
nv of the North, alone and only for the
sake of the preservation of the Union
He forgot every thing but his country
For his country oniy and her SALVATION
was uppermost in his heart.
Mr.. Webster in conclusion offered the
following toast.
"Our country-May its Union contin-
ue perpetual and everlasting, for when II
shall become divided it will no longer be
my country"
Mr.. Webster spoke with deep and
heartfelt emotion, aud sat down amid
burst Of applause. which greeted him
throughout his speech.