Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-11-18
N Incident in the EARLY Life OF Daniel
Men at sometimes are masters Of Their fAte,."


"Men at sometimes are masters Of their fstes."
sHAKEsPzARs.
In Mr. Webster's boyhood there lived in his
alive town a man by the name of Hammond
"a rough, uncultivated, but kind hearted,
onest felow-half farmer and half back
soodsman. Hammond's boys were expert in
INNING and fishing, and Mr.. Webster, who al
ways had an especial f0Ddness for such sports,
vas often accompanied by them in his excur~
ons, and became well acquainted with the
amily.
After tine the Hammonds emigrated to
fome wild region near the Canada frontier,
nd for several years Mr.. Webster lost vi trace
IF them, bat during one of his college vaca-
tons, desire to see his old friends again de-
termined him TO search them out. Aitersome
trouble, he succeeded in discovering their place
Of abode, and somewhat fatigung journey
brought him TO the log cabin of the eccentric
old wanderer, who had fxed his residence a.
far as possible from the settlements, which
were becoming too densely populated to suit
his ideas of comfortable life. Hammond and
his good dame, with their stout boys were Of
course delighted to meet Mr.. Webster again,
and the rude Inequalities of the cabin were
extended with open hands The family was
pOor-much poorer than he expected to find
it, but not the less cheerful and happy werelts
members.
Supper was at once provided by the kind
hostess, For" said Hammond, ''Dan'ps hun
CRY, and we must do the best we can for him,
WIFE" Young Webster had a keen appetite,
and enioyed the meal but for the first time in
his life, partook of dish, which even Parker,
with all his ingenuity and originality in pro-
viding tempting entrees, never would have
dreamed of. This was nothing more nor less
than grass fried IN lard which formed the
principal portion of the meal.
The fodder" having been duly discussed
and cleared away, Hammond entered into con-
versaton with Mr.. Webster, anG among other
things was anxious to know what pursuit his
young friend designated to follow. Mr.. Web
ster replied that he had not definitely made up
his mind, but supposed he should be either
Physician, Minister, or Lawyer.
"Dan1," said Hammond, "YOu've a good
head, and can make q figure in the world, if
you don't throw your chances away. Now,
I've had some experience, though | havn't
much larnin,' and I'll give you BIT of advice
for old acquaintance sake. Don't You go to
bein' Doctor,-it's hard work, gsttn' up O
nights and trottin' round with those eternal
saddle-bags. Nor l wouldn't be a Minister
neither-it's poor kind of Twin and you'd be
tired of this everlsstin' preachin' and as for
the lawyers, they're aUin6rnaL rascalS. Now
Danl, III tell ye how ye can make 8 forth,
and won't charge nOthin' for it, neither;-Je a
Conjurer. Dan', be Conjurer. You're just
The right sort of a chap for conjurin' and
them fellows make power Of money. A good
many of the people lose their eO1Os, and there's
a a0ay to tell hon they're gOne;-I don't know
how, but you've book learnin, and can find
out and know everything jist as these chaps
do, and besides, you can tell fortins. Take my
advice, Dan', and be Conjurer."
Mr.. Webster was greatly diverted, but took
care not to offend his worthy old friend, who
was exceedingly earnest and sincere in giving
his simple views. lie promised to reflect and
decide carefully. After partsking again of
fried grass at breakfast, be took an affection
ate leave. Hammonds psrting words were,
Don't forget, Danl, CoJurin's the thing for
You"