New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1856-12-01
An Incident i'll the Early Life OF Daniel
Webster

Men, at sorne Times, nre masters 0? ;lleir fAe~.
In MI Wehster's boyhood there lived in his native
town a man by the name Of Hammond. Il rough. tll-
cultivated, but kindheartcd honest fellow half far
mer and half hackwoodsman. Hanmonds boys
were expert in cunning and fishing, and Mr.. Webster
who always had an especial iUndneSs for such sports.
often accompanied by them in his excursions and
became well acquainted with the family.
After time the Hammond's emi@mted to some
wild region near the Canada frontier and for several
years MI Webster lost all trace OF them, but during
Of his college vacations desire to see his old
friends again determined him to search them out.
After trouble, lie succeeded in discovering their
place OF abode, and q somewhat tatiguing journey
brought him to the log cabin of the eccentric old
WanGercr who had fixed his residence as far as posi-
bic 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 hospita tiles Of the cabin were extended
with open hands. The family was poor--much poor
CT than he expected lind it, but not the less cheer
lul and happy were its members.
SNpper was at once provided by the kind hostess,
for said Hammond. Dan'rs hungry, and we must do
the best we can for him, wife Young Webster had
keen appetite and enjoyed the meal hut for the first
time in his life paitook Of dish which even Parker.
with all his ingenuity and originality in providing
tempting entrees, never you'd have dreamed Of This
was nothing more or less than grass fried IN ilfd
which formed Ehe principal portion of the meal.
The @ fodder" having been daily discussed and
tltt'!th iititl!lfIN entered INTO conversation
with Mr.. Webster and among other things was any
lous to know what pursuit his young friend designed
to follow. Mr.. Webster replied that he had not de-
initcy made mp his mind but supposed he should he
! either physician, a minister, or lawyer.
" DaN'l said Hammond, "Iouve good head ana
can make figure i'll the world if yot don't throw
your chances away. Now, have some experience
though have ut much luIliu, and I'll give you bit
OF advice lor old acquaintance sake. Don't you 70
to bein doctor-its hard work, gcttu up o nights
and trottin round with those eternal saddle bags
Nor wouldn't he a minister nei;her--its poor Kind
OF Vin and you he tired Of this everlasting prcaci-
in and as for tie lawyers, they're all ntunui rus
cats.
"Now, Dan'l, I'll tell ye how yccan make fortn
and won't charge nothn for it, ncither--bc cpMu-
rer. D@nl he a conjurer. You're just the right sort
OF chap for conjurn, and them fellow. make power
OF money a good many OF the people lose their COWS
and there's way to tell how they've gone | don't
know how, but you've book lalni, and can find out
and know everything iist as these chaps do, ana he
sides you can tell torns. Take my advice, Dani, and
be a coniurer.
Mr. Webster was greatly diverted, but took care not
to offend his worthy Old FRIEND who Wa exceedingly
earnest and sincere in giving his simple views. lie
promised to reflect and decide carefully After nul>
taking again OF fried Grass III breakfast he took al nt-
iecNonale leave. lmmGHu'S parting words were
" Don forget Danl. cunj.niu's tie thing lor you.
GRu,tDu Journal,