The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-17
Letter of Mr.. Webster.

We have published Geographic despatch
stating that MIR. WEBSTER had consented to
speak in Faneuil Hall, in accordance with the
expressed wish of the municipal authorities of
Boston. A committee was appointed to wait
upon the Secretary of State at Marshfeld, and
TO those gentlemen he addressed the following
letter:
MARsHFIELD, May II, 1852.
To Hon. BENJAMIN SEAvER, Mayor OF Boston;
Messrs. Obcr and Rich, members of the Board of
Aldermen; Hon. Henry J. Gardner, the Presi
dent, and Messrs. Hobart, Plummer, md
Thompson. members of the Common Councils
GEsTLSMEs: receive you here to. day as friends
and fellow ciliEens, members OF that community
In the midst of which / have lived for the greater
part OF my life, which have regarded as my home
and which home has been rendered happy to Inc by
all the endearInents OF domestic affections, the
warmth Of social relations aud that mutual rcspec
and kindness which constitute the unbought grace
of life.
And you come, gentlemen, TO confer upon me an
honor which it quite impossible for Inc altogether
to decline. OF course, gentlemen, | consider this
honor as intended entirely for manifestation Of
personal respect and kindness; and it touches my
feelings the norutcinderly il proceeds from the
unanimous votes of all the members of the two
branches OF the city government, without refer
ence 10 political or party distinctions. You invite
inc to come among you as one Of your fcllow-oiti.
Gems not unknown 10 you through course vi many
years; and shall go, with warm regard and
grateful heart, into the midst Of the citizens of
Boston, many Of whom know. and with the
fathers OF many Of whom, when lite was younger,
lived in habits Of daily intercourse.
Perhaps it is unnecessary ior inc 10 say, gentle
men, but il is point upon which deem that no
misapprehension should exist, that neither the
source Of the kind invitation thus presented to me-
nor the state Of things now existing in the country
will allow inc 90 enter upon the discussion Of any
political queStion or subjects whatever. The plea
sure afforded TO me by the occasion will be that OF
being once more in the universally acknowledged
"Cradle Of American Liberty" 10 behold again
those images Of immortal revolutionary patriots
which adorn the walls Of Fancui Hall. and to sec
the accs Of prosperous. happy. and patriotic fellow
citizens; and their gratiiicaton if 'hcy shall expo
rionrc any, will be TO know that leone among
them with undated friendship aud attachment
that regard tho place Of their birth and residence
with as warm a heart ns beats in any Of their own
b)sons-and that regard myself rs numbered
among them, for good or for evil, 80 long any
thing, good or evil, may happen TO INC from human
associations.
am, gentlemcn, with the highest personal re
gard, your obcJicnt servant,
DANL WEBSTER.
"This (says the New York Commercial nd
rertiscr) is Daniel Webster all over; calm,
dignifed. self relying and self respecting when
condemned or sighted; warm, genial, alice
Tomato, when hearts are open to him. Few
men beside Mr.. Webster could have felt what
is here 50 beautifully expressed, in view Of a
certain other action ON the part Of the Boston
City Council. But the truly great can afford
to be generous. and are always magnani-
nous"