The Davenport daily gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1869, 1856-11-24
THE DAILY GAZETTE.
AN INCIDENT IN THE EARLY LIFE
OF DANIEL WEBSTER


a=I.H II some times are ma aztsrs 0fthrIt Rates 81
Sa.sspEAEs.
Ia Mr. Nebster'3 boyhood, there
lived in his native town man by
the name of Hammond "a rough, uu-
cultivated, but kind hearted, honest
tellow--half farmer, and half back
wooIsman. Uammond'a boys were
expert in cunning, and Mr.. Webster,
who always had an especial tondness
for such sports, was often accOmpan-
iel bv them in excursions, aud became
well acquainted with the family
After a time the Uammoud's eni-
grated to some wild region near the
Canada frontier and for several years
Mr. Webster lost all trace OF them, but
during one Of his college vacations a
desire to see his old friends again de
tcrmined him to search them out
After some trouble he succeeded in
discovering then place Of abode, and
somewhat fatiguing journey brought
him to the log cabin Of the eccentric
old wandercr, who had fixed his resi-
dencc as far as possible from the set
Elements. which were becoming too
densiy populated to suit his ideas Of
comfortable life. Hammond and his
good dame with their stout boys, We're
of course delighted to meet Mr.. Web.
zter again. and the rude inequalities
were extended with open hands. The
family was poor much poorer than
be had expected to find it, but not less
cheerful aud happy were its members.
Supperwas mt once provided by the
kind hostess. for. said Hammond,
Daniels hungry, and we must do the
best we can ior him, vile" Young
Webster had a keen appetite and en-
ioyed the meal, but for the first time
ia his lie partook Of dish which
even Parker, with all his ingenuity aud
originality in providing tempting en-
Tres, never would have dreamed Of
This was nothing more than grass fried
in lard, which formed the principal
portion Of the meal.
The fodder having been duly dis
cussed and cleared away, Hammond
entered into conversation with Mr.
Webster, and among other things was
anxious to know what pursuit his
Young friend designed to follow Mr.
Webster replied that he had not defn-
itely made up his mind, but supposed
he shonld be either physician, 4
minister or a lawyer
'Danl, said Hammond. You've
81 good head and can make figure
ia the world. If YOU don't throw your
chances away Now. I've ha. som
experience, though haven't much
larnin' and III give you bit Of ad- |
vice ior old acquaintance sake. Don't !
you 20 10 beln' Doctor--it's hard |
work, gettin' up o'nights, and trottin' |
round with those eternal saddle bags. |
Nor 1 wouldn't be n minister neither
its poor kind Of liyin' and yon'd |
be tired of this everlastin' prcachin'; |
and as Tor the lawyers, they're all in
ternal rascals Now, Dan'I I'll tel
e how We can make a tortin', and
won't charge nothin' for it neither -
he Coniurer Dan'l, be Coniurer.
/ ou're just the right sort of chap for
eonjurin, and them fellows make a
power Of money A good many Of
the people lose their cows, and there's |
a way to tell how they've gone; |
don't know how, but you've book |
amin, and can find out and know
jist as these chaps do, and
beside, you can tellfortins. Take my
advice, Danl and be Il Coniurer.
Mr.. Webster was greatly diverted,
bat took care not TO offend his worthy
Old friend, who was exceedingly earn
est and sincere in giving his simple
views. He promised to reflect, and
decide carefully. After partaking
again Of fried grass at breakfast, he
took an atlectiouate leave. Ham
Inond's parting words were, Don't
forget, Dan,i, co4gins the thing for
YOR.