Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-09-05

mon fIeas. Inc custom then prevailed
for the patron to accompany his pupil into
Court, introduce him to the Judges, make
brief speech in commentator of studi
Gus conduct and attainments, and ther
move for his admission On Mr.. Webster:
admission, one informs me that he recollects
almost every word Of Mr.. Cores speech
and that it contained, among other things
a prediction of his pupils future professions
al distinction. In all probability the pre-.
dictIon, as is generally the case, aided its
own accomplishment. Certainly, the fav-
orable opinion of such man as Mr.. Gore
must have been an additional incentive to
Mr.. Webster's ambitious hopes and efforts
The clerk of the Court of Common Pleas
for the county of HilIsborough, New Hamp-
shire, resigned his office in January, 1905.
Mr.. Websler's father was one of the Judges
Of this court and his colleagues, from re-
gard for him. rendered his son the vacant
clerkship. 1t was what Judge Webster had
long desired. The Office was worth 81 500
per annum, which was in those days, and
in that neighborhood, competency; or
rather absolute wealth. Mr.. Webster him
self considered it a great prize, and was
eager to accept it. He weighed the ques-
ton in his mind. On the one side he saw
immediate comforts; on the other, at the
best, doubtful struggle. By its acceptance
he made sure of his own good condition,
and what was nearer to his heart, that of
his family. By its refusal, he condemned
both himself and them to an uncertain, and
probably, harrassing future. Whatever as
pirations he might have cherished of pro-
tessional distinction, he was willing cheer
fully to relinquish, to promote the immedi-
ate welfare of those he held most dear.
But Mr.. Gore peremptoriy and vehe-
mently interposed his dissent. He urged
every argument against the purpose. He
exposed its a5surdlty and its consequences.
He appealed to the ambition Of his pupil !;
once clerk, he said he would always be a
clerk-there would be no step upwards
He attacked him, too, on the side of his
family affection telling him that he would
be far more able to crafty his friends from
his professional labors than in the cierkship.
" Go on" he said, " and finish your studies
-you are poor enough; but there are grea-
ter evils than poverty; live on no mans ia
vor; what bread you eat, let it be the bread
Of Independence pursue your profession
make yourself useful to your friends, and
little formidable to your enemies, and you
have nothing to fear"
Diverted from his design by arguments
like these, it still remained to MIR. Webster
to acquaint his father with his determine
tion, and satisfy him of its propriety. He
felt this would be no easy task, as his father
had set has heart SO much upon the office;
but he determined to 60 home Immediately,
and give him, in full, the reasons of his
conduct.
1t was midwinter, and he looked round
for country sleigh-for stage-coaches at
that time, were things unknown in the Gen.
tire of New Hampshire-and finding one
that had come down to market, he took pas
sage therein, and in two or three days he
was set down at his fathers door. (The
same journey is now made in four hours by
steam.) 1t vas evening when he arrived.
have heard him tell the story of the inter-
view. His father was sitting before the
fire, and received him with manifest Joy
He looked feebler than he had ever appeared,
but his countenance lighted up on seeing
his clerk stand before him in good health
aud spirits. He lost no time i'll abiding to
the great appointment-said how spontane-
ously it had been made-how kindly the
chief justice proposed it, with what unanim-
lty all assented, &c. &c. During this
speech, it can be well imagined how en-
barrassed Mr. Webster felt, compelled, as
he thought. from a conviction Of duty to
disappoint his fathers sanguine expecta-
lions. Nevertheless, he commanded his
and his voice, SO as to reply in
a sufficiently assured manner. He spoke
gaily about the office; expressed his great
obligation 10 their Honors, and his inten-
lion to write them most respectful letter;
if he could have consented to record any
body's judgments, he should have been
proud to have recorded their Honors', &c.
NC. He proceeded in this strain, till his
father exhibited signs of Amusement, it hay-
ing occurred to him, finally, that his son
might all the while be serious. DO you
intend to decline this office 7" he said at
length. "Most certainly" replied his son;
cannot think of doing otherwise. mean
to use my tongue in courts, not my pen; to
be an actor, not register of other mems
actions"
For moment Judge Webster seemed
angry. He rocked his chair slightly, flash
went over his eye, soffened by age, but even
then black as jet, but it Immediately disap-
peared, and his countenance regained its
usual serenity. Parental love and partiali-
ty could not after all but have been graft
fed with the sons devotion to an honorable
and distinguished profession, and seeming
confidence of success in it. Well, my
son." said Judge Webster finally, "your
mother has always said that you would come
to something or nothing, she was not sure
which. think you are now about settling
that doubt for her." The Judge never al
spoke to his son on the subject.
Mr.. Webster having thus reconciled his
father to his views returned to Boston. In
March, following, having been admitted to
the bar as before stated, he went to Amherst
N. H. where his fathers court was then in
session from Amherst he went home with
his father. His design had been to settle
in the practice at Portsmouth; but unwil-
ling to leave his father, who had become
infirm, and had no sons At home, he opened
an Office at Boscawen, near his fathers res