The daily union., 1852-10-31
From the Commercial Advertiser
Daniel webster.

We have been favored with the perusal Of letter
written by Mr. Webster TO intimate friend in this city,
dated franklin May 80. 1916, from which we make the
extract below and which will be read at this
time with unusual interest:
have made satisfactory arrangements respecting my
house here the best of which is that leave it where
is and yet be comfortable Notwithstanding the rail-
road.
This house faces due north. It's front windows look
toward the river Merrmack But then the river soon
turns the south, that the eastern windows look
ward the river also. But the river has deepened it's
channel in this stretch OF it, in the last fifty years. that
its waers without approaching il, going
back the higher lands behind The history OF this
change OF considerable importance in the philosophy of
streams. have observed it practically, and know some
thing Of the theory OF the phenomenon; but doubt
whether the world will be benefited. either by my
learning or my observation in this respect.
Looking out at the east windows this moment, e, p
with beautiful just breaking out, my eye sweeps
rich and level field OF one hundred acres. Al the end
of it. third of mile off, plain marble grave stones,
designating the places where repose my father my moth
err my brother Joseph, and my sisters Mehitabe, Abigail
and Sarah-good Scripture names. inherited from their
Puritan ancestors.
MY father! Ebenezer Webster born at Kingston in
the lower part OF the State in l730lhe haadsomest
ever saw, except my brother Ezekiel. who appeared TO
me, and SO does he TO me, the very finest hui
man form that ever | laid eyes on | saw him in his
coffn--a white forehead-a tinged cheek-a complexion
as clear heavenly light But where am stfaying !
brothers and sisters. We shall be all together But
this is meancholy-and leave it, Dear, dear kindred
blood, how love you all
This fair field is before mel could see lamb any
part of it. have ploughed it, and raked it. and hoed il,
bat never moved it Some how, could never learn
to hang scythe had not wit enough. My brother
Joe used TO say that my father sent TO college in order
to make me equal to the rest OF the children!
On hot day in Julyt must have been Of the last
years of Washington's Administrations making
hay, with my father just where now see a remaining
elm tree about the middle OF the afternoon. The Hon.
Abel Foster, NJ c. who lived in Canterbury, six miles
Oft called at the house. and came into the field to my
father He worthy man, collegelearned and had
been minister but was not person OF any considerable
natural powers. My father his friend and supporter
He talked awhile in the field. and went on his way.
When he gone, my father called to him. and we
sat down beneath the elm on hay cock He said,
:" My son, that is worthy mamie is member OF Con-
gressbe goes to Philadelphia and gets six dollars day,
which never had II had had his early education |
should have been in Philadelphia in his place came
near it as il was. But missed il, and now must
work here" My dear father" said l. "yoa shall not
work. Brother and will work for you, and wear our
hands out, and you shall rest = and remember 10 have
cried-and cry now at the recollection. My child"
said he, sit is OF importance 10 mel now live but
for my children could not give your elder brother the
advantages OF knowledge, but do something for
you. Exert yourself-improve your opportunities
earn-isarn-and when am gone you will not need 10
go through the hardshps which have undergone, and
which have made old man before my time"
The next May he took me to Exeter-to The Philips
ceent precepior. DR.. Benjamin Abbott. still living
My father died IN April, lsO6. neither left him, nor
forsook him. My opening an office at Buscawen was
that might be near him. closed his eyes in this very
house He died at sixty seven years OF age. after life
OF exerion toll, and exposue-a private soldier, Off
Ger, legislator judge-everything that man could
be 10 whom learning never had disclosed her "ampe
page"
My first speech at the bar was made when he was on
the bench. He heard me a second time.
He bad in him what recollect to have been the char
acer of oil the old Purtans He deeply reli-
gious, hut not the contrary, good humored ia
cetous-showng even in bis age, with a contagious
laugh, teeth, all white alabaster--gente. soft,
playul-and yet having heart in him that he seemed
TO have borrowed from lion. He could frown a
frown II was, but cheerulness, good humor and smiles
composed his most usual aspect.
Ever truly, your friend,
DANL WEBSTER.