The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-04-26
Letter from Mr. Web>ter.

The following is the reply of Hon. Daniel
Webster to the letter from large number of the
most respectable and influential citizens of Bos-
ton, inviting him to meet them in Faneuil Hall.
1t Will be seen that it written after the re-
tusal of the Board Of Aldermen to allow Faneuil
Hall to be used for the purpose, and conveysa
dignifcd and manly reproof to those in the cit.
government whose conduct has so much eXas-
perated the people of Boston,
Marshfeld, .lpril Is, 1851.
To Mcssrs. George c. smith, Caleb F., d., Asa
Swallow. Uricl Croker, and others:
Gentlemen,--ldu duly received your |, tier ofthc
18th of this month, and had fully made up my
mind to comply with your invitation; for, al
though have entertained no purpose oidiscuss-
ing further, at present, the political questions
which have so much agitated the country, yet
could not deny myself the pleasure of meeting
you and your fellow citizens, for mutual con-
graduation upon an escape, so far, from dangers
which, one year ago, so seriously threatened the
very existence of our national institutions; and
upon the prospect of an early return, in all parts
of the country, OF feelings of good will and re-
ciprocal regard.
But the newspapers Of this afternoon inform
me that the Board of Aldermen have refused
your request for the use of Faneuil Hail. Icare
nothing for this, personally, except that it de-
though, if | supposed that the general voice Of
the people of Boston approved this proceeding,
il would, confess, cause Inc the deepest regret
The resolution denying you the Hall has been
adopted, if mistake not, by the same heard
which has practically refused to Join with the
other branch ofthe City Government in offering
the Inequalities Of the city to President Fill
more.
Gentlemen, for nearly thirty years, have
been in the service Of the country. by the choice
ofthe people of Boston, and the appointment Of
the Legislature of Massachusetts. My public
conduct through the whole of that long period is
not unknown, and l chseriully leave it to the
judgment ofthc country, now and hereafter.
Since the commencement of March Of last
year, have done something, and hazarded much,
to uphold the Constitution Of the United States,
and to maintain interests Of the most vital i'm
portance to the citizens of Boston. And / shall
do more, and hazard more, whenever, in my
judgment, it become necessary that more be
done. or more be hazarded. l shall perform,
with untiinching perseverance, and to the end,
MY DUTY TO MY WHOLE COUNTRY; nor do /, in
the slightest degree, fear results. Folly and IA
naticism may have their hour. They may not
only affect the minds of individuals, but they may
also seize on public bodies, of greater or less
dignity. But their reign is destined TO be short,
e'SH WheIe, loT the moment, II seems most trl-
umphant. We, of Massachusetts, are not doom
ed to course ofpoitical conduct, such as would
rcproach our ancestors, destroy our own prosper
ity, and expose us to the derision of the civil
lied world. No such future is before us. Far
otherwise. Patriotism, the union of good men,
fidelity to the Constitution in all its provisions,
and that intelligence which has hitherto enabled
the people ofthis State to discern and to appre-
ciate their own political blessings as well as
what is due to their own history and character,
will bring them back to their accustomed feel
ings of love Of country, and ofrespcct and veneer
alton for its institutions.
am, gentlemen, with the most sincere regard,
your obliged friend, and very cbedient servant.
n,NIrT WrpSrrp