Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1856-12-25
AN INCIDENT IN THE EARLY LIFE OF
DANIEL WEBSTER.

|
In Mr.. Webster's boyhood there lived in
his native town man by the name of
Hammond, a rough, uncultivated, but kind
hearted, honest fellow-half farmer and half
backwoodsman. Hammonds boys were ex-
pert in cunning, and fishing, and Mr..
Webster. who always had an especial fond
ness for such sports, was often accompanied
by them in his excursions, and became we'll
acquainted with the family.
After time the Hammonds emigrated
to some wild region near the Canada from
tier. and for several years Mr.. Webster lost
all trace of them; but, during one of his
college vacations, desire to see his old
friends again determined him to search them
out. After some trouble he succeeded in
discovering their place of abode, and some
what fatiguing journey brought him to the
log cabin of the eccentric old wanderer, who
had fixed his residence as far as possible
from the settlements, which were becoming
too densely populated to suit his-iae~s- of
comfortable life. Hammond 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 ex-
tended with opeu hands. The family was
poor-much poorer than he had expected to
find it, but not the less cheerful and happy
were it's 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 in his life partook of a dish which
even Parker, with all his ingenuity and O.
riginality in providing tempting entrees,
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 discussed
and cleared away, Hammond entered into
conversation with Mr.. Webster, and among
other things was anxious to know what pur-
suit his young friend intended to follow
Mr.. Webster replied that he had not def
nitely made up his mind, but supposed he
should either be physician, minister or
a lawyer.
"Dan'l," said Hammond, ':You'vea good
head, and can make figure in the world,
if you don't throw your chance away
Now, I've had some experience, though |
haven't much larnin', and I'll give you a
bit of advice for old acquaintance sake
Don't you 60 to bein' doctor-it's hard
work, gettin' up O nights, and trottin' round
with those eternal saddle-bags. Nor ]
wouldn't be a minister neither-it's poor
, kind of livin' and you'd be tired of the ever,
lastin' preachin'; and as for the lawyers
they're all Internal rascals. Now, Dan'l
I'll tell ye how ye can make a fortin', and
won't charge nothin' for it, neither be q
Conjurer. Dan'l, be a 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 cows,
and there's way to tell how they've gone
I don't know how, but you've book larnin'
!: and can find out and know everything jist
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
took 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 partak-
ing again of fried grass at breakfast, he
took an afectionate leave. Hammond's
parting words were. Don't forget, Dan'l,
Conjurin's the thing for you"