The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-10-29
Mr.. wsbstsr.
From he Neso York Times

We suspect an incorrect impression may be
made by current remarks as to- the feeling which
Mr.. Webster himself entertained concerning the
approaching termination of his earthly career:
Those who recollect bis appearance at Niblo'S
when he read his address before the Historical
Society," will not fail to remember that &c ,,,uuwed
his greatage and the ..apia advance Of relentless
..oay to very remarkable degree. His strength
still very great, as was shown by his enduring
the fatigue of 30 long an address in so large a
room, though to him such Iabors would naturally
be attended with less fatigue than TO others less
accustomed to them. But his step was lettering,
his motion heavy, and his whole manner that OF
one upon whom the weight Of seventy years, filed
they were with herculean tolls, had made itself
dee ply and disastrously felt a%f ~ ..&
When he was last in this city, on his way to
Marshfield, he seemed fully sensible Of the ravagcs
which time and disease were making upon his
system, though, az was his wont, he talked about
himsefess than upon any other topic. Bot as he
was taking his leave, close and cherished friend,
who stood at the carriage door, asked him when
they should have the pleasure Of seeing him here
again. With slow and measured emphasis and a
soemnity which evinced the depth Of conviction
Gm which hs MR. ssss
full reply, and expressed the confident hope that q
month of repose at Marsh6eld would restore him to
his wonted vgor. Mr.. Webster shook his head
sadly. but made no answer. 4.
And yet he continued to the very last in the
punctual discharge. of every duty, and gave his
wonted attention toll the details Of his manifold
concerns. His farm, his cattle, his friends, prov-
sion for his household-all the minute matters
which make up the sum of every mans daily life,
continued to receive the same punctilious care
which lie had usually bestowed upon them. A
very interesting proof of this appears in letter
which he wrote to q friend in this city, on Satur-
da he inaf " n vee befO fore denth
and after the illness which bad caused such
profound alarm Tor his life. The note in itself has
no special Importance; but the circumstances I'M
der which it was written give it interest. 1t was
as follows: 7,..u ta.@. ~
"MARsHFIELD SATURDAY, Oct. is, 1852,
"MY DEAR FRIEND: My neighbor, Mr. Weston,
goes for the Alderny. He ia carpenter, and has
also been my overseer for many years. He is one
Of the beat men in the world, only that he cannot
quite come up to the Wing nomination. Please
give him the best your house allows, on my &c
count. Mr.. Weston will receive your instructions
as to getting the Alderny on board the Empire.
Mr.. w eston takes with him valuable black horse
of mine. which wish you to take care Of till Mr..
liver to him. This IL a cool, bright October morn
ing, and Green harbor is all as green as leek. !
wish you would come and see it. Why could not
Captain c. come down for a day? If there be
any uenison in your market, please send me some
BY Mr. Weston Yours Away" D"s NV N..sr..
The concerns OF his farm always engrossed a very
large share of Mr. Webster's attention. He loved
its labors and the genial communion with nature
which its associations SO much favored. 1t was
there that the magnanimous kindlness and ten
derness Of heart which formed 80 large portion
of his character made itself seen and felt by all
who came within his influence. He was always
happy when he could escape from the worrying
of professional of public life, to the retired
and homely pursuiu of his Marshfeld farm. The
most genial humor. ,pervaded all be did and said
while thus engaged OF this, also, we happen
he wrote to friend in this city three years ago,
during his temporary stay at Marshield:
"MARsHFIELD, SUNDAY, Sept. s, ls49
"My DEAR Sra: The best pair of working oxen
my farm shall set out for your place on Mon.
day: They are seven years old, large, handsome,
perfectly well broke, and, for common cart work
on farm, are q team of themselves. @' .
81 shall send. also, likely pair ofthree year old
steers, which have been somewhat used to the
yoke, but are not yet quite 30 well trained and
drilled, as couple Of dining.room walters at the
Actor House. If you wish any change in this ar
Fengement, please address iine to me, or, in my
absence, to 'Mr. Porter Wright; as I may go
sometohers to try to mitigate my horrid catarrh:
If we do not hear to the contrary, the aforesaid
oxen and steers will be among the Lynn people
next Tuesday morning, where they may we'll
tremble for their skins.
al hear nothing of the Alderny. but should be
quite glad to know that she was coon to join
VcTy 6uIhh pnfy VI het o"h Ioi"'Neo
one male aud one female
81 am grieved to have not seen you here, and
hope you will be the very next visitor, ate: the
President, If he should come; and an early one if
he should not.
81 hope to leave off snee7ing in about fortnight
YOURS very truly, always, ;,
This little note, unimportant in itself, gives
pleasant glimpse into the sprit which brooded
around the daily life of this great man during his
intervals of leisure and relaxation from the harass
ing nxieties of official place.