Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1856-11-12
EVENING STAR.
An Incids,t in the Early Life Of Daniel
Webater

Men, at some times, sre masters or their fstes
GShakspears
In Mr.. Webster's boyhood there lived in his
native town a man by the name of Hammond;
a rough, uncultivated, but kind hearted hon
est felIow-half farmer and half backwoods
man Hammond's boys were expert in gun
ming and fishing, and Mr.. Webster, who al
ways had an especial fondness for such sports,
was often accompanied by them In his excur.
sions, and became well acquainted with the
family.
After time the HammoDd's emigrated 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, desire to see his old friends sgain
determined him to search them out After
some trouble he succeeded in discovering their
place of abode, and q somewhat fatiguing
journey brought him to the log cabin of the
eccentric old wanderer, who had fixed his res
sdenee as far as possible from the settlements
which were becoming too densely populated
to suit his ideas Of comfortable life Ham
mond and his good dame, with their stout
boys, were of course delighted to meet Mr.
Webster again, and the rude hospitalities Of
the cabin were extended with open hands
The family was poor-much poorer than he
had expected to find ii, but not the less cheer
full and happy were its 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 keen appetite
and enjoyed the meal, but for the first time
10 his life partook Of dish which even Par
ker, with all his ingenuity and originality in
providing tempting entrees, never would have
dreamed of. This was nothing more than
grass fried in lard, which formed the princi-
pal portion of the meal.
ha { l,1x
and cleared away, Hammond entered into
conversation with Mr.. Webster and among
other things was anxious to know what pur-
suit his young friend designed to follow Mr.
Webster replied that he had not definitely
made up his mind, but supposed he should
be either physician, minister or a lawyer
Dan said Hammond, you've good
head, and can make figure in the world, If
you don't throw your chances away. Now.
I've had some experience, though L haven't
much larnin', and / IL give you a bit Of ad-
vice for old acquaintance sake Don't you
go to bein' a doctor-it's hard work, gettin up
o nights, and trottin' round with those eter-
nal saddle-bsgs. Nor wouldn't be min
lister, neither-it's a poor kind Of livin' and
you'd be tired of this everlastn' preschin';
and as for the lawyers, they're all Internal
raScals. Now, Danl, I'll tell ye how ye can
make fortin', and won't charge nethin' for
1t, neither-bc a Conjurer Dan'l, be Con-
Jurer. You re just the right sort IF chap for
corjurin', and them fellows make power of
money. A good many of the people lose their
COWS, and there's way to tell how they've
gene; don't know how, but you've book
larnin', and can find out and know everything
yist as these chaps do, and beside. you can tell
fortins. Take my advice, Dan'l, and be a
COnjurer "
Mr. Webster was greatly diverted, but t ,Ok
care not to offend his worthy old friend, who
was exceedingly earnest and sincere in giving
his simple views He promised to reflect and
decide carefully After psrtaking again of
frted grass at breakfast, he took an affection
ate leave. Hammonfs parting words were,
y Don't forget, Danl, COnjuriH's the thing
for you"