Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-11-05
From the Commercial Advertiser.
Daniel Webster.

We have been favored with the perusaI of letter
written by Mr.. Webster to an intimate friend in this
city, dated Franklin, May 81. 1916, from which
we make the extact below, and we sure will be
read at this time with unusual interest.
have made satisfactory arrangements respecting
my house here, the best of which can leave where
it is, and yet be comfortable notwithstanding the rail-
road.
This house faces due north. Its front windows
looks toward the river MerIimack. But then the ri.
turns 10 the south, so that the eastern win
dows look toward the river ALSO But the river has so
deepeneds channel in this stretch of it, in the last fifty
years, that annot lis waters, without approach
ing it, going back the higher lands behind The
history OF this change is OF considerable Importance in
the philosophy of streams | have observed it prac-
llcally, and know something of the theory Of the
phenomenon but doubt whether the world will ever
be benefited, either by my learning or my observa-
ton in this respect
Looking ont al the east windows this moment e.
p m, with beautiful just breaking out. my eye
sweeps rich nd level field of one hundred At
the end of il, third Of mile off. plain marble
grave stones designating the place where repose my
father my mother, my brother Joseph. and sisters
MehitabIe, Abigail, and Sarah--good Scripture
inherited from their Puritan ancestors.
My father! Ebenezer Webster ?-born al Kingston.
in the lower part of the Stale, in 1889 the hand
soonest man ever saw, except my brother Ezekiel
who appeared TO me, and so does he now seem 10 me-
The very finest human form that ever laid eyes on
saw him in his Cofin-a white forehead-a tinged
cheek-a complexion clear as heavenly light! But
where am strayng
The grave has closed upon him, as i, has on all my
brothers and sisters We shall soon he all together.
But this is acknowledgement leave it. Dear. dear
kindred blood, how | love you all!
This fair field is before mel could see lamb on
any paris of it. have pIoughed it, and raked it, and
hoed it, but never moved it. Some how, | could
never learn TO hang scythe had not wit enough
Ny brother Joe used say that my father sent me to
college IN order to make me equal 10 the rest OF The
children
On hot day in July-it must have been one of the
last years of Washngtons administrations was max
ing hay, with my father. just where now see re-
naming elm tree, about the middle Of the afternoon
The Hon. Abie Foster NJ c.. who lived in Canter-
bury six miles off called at the house, and came into
the field to see my father. He worthy man.
college learned, aud had been minister, but 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 ME TO him, and we sat down beneath
the elm hay cock. He said IS My son, that is
worthy mamie is member of Congress--he goes
10 Philadelphia. and gets six dollars day, while tol
here II is because he had an education, which never
had If had had his early education should have
been in Philaep ha in his place. came it as it
was. But missed it, and now must work here. My
dear father,' said |, you shall not work Brother
and will work for you, and wear our hands out and
| you shall rest ;" and remember 10 have cred--lnd
cry al the recollection. My child" said he, sit
/ is OF no importance 10 mel live but for my
children; 81 could not give your elder brother the ad
vaniages of know hedge, bat do something for
you. Exert yourseIf-improve your opportunities
ttearn-ieara and when am gone you will not need
10 go through The hardships which have undergone.
and which have made me old man before my time
The next May he took me 10 Exeter-to the Phil.
Fps Exeter Academy-placed me under the tuition OF
its excellent precepor, DR. Benjamin Abbott, still llv-
ling.
My father died in April, 1906. neither left him.
nor forsook him. My opening an Office at Buscawen
was that might be him. | closed his eyes IN
this very house He died al sixty seven years OF age,
after life of exeron, toll, exposure-a private SOL
der. officer, legislator, Judge-everythlng that
man could be 10 whom learning never had disclosed
her ample page
My first speech at the bar made when he was
on the bench He never heard me second time
!, He had in him what recoect to have been me
character of OF the old Puritans. He was deeply
religious, but not sour-on the contrary. good hnmor-
ed, facetious-s showing in his age. with con.a
gious laugh teeth, ali as white aabas,er-geh!'e
soft, payIul-and yet having heart in him iha DC
seemed 10 have borrowed from l'on ne cou,u
frown rewn it but cheesfulness gooa hu'no''
land ernilas cnnnnosed his mosf uSual aspect.