The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-01-12
Daniel Webster's Personal Courage.

Some months after the mobbing of
the FederaJ Republican, at Baltimore, in
1912, Mr.. Webster and party of
friends being on their way to Washing
ton were delayed by the breaking down
of the coach some fifteen miles north of
Baltimore. Mr. Webster, who was in
great haste to reach Washington to at
tend trial before the Supreme Court,
resolved to push on to the nearest vii
lage and procure a private conveyance
to Baltimore that night He at last
reached the tavern of that village and
was ushered by the landlord into a
small room, which opened into the bar-
engaged III IL f56d ID and angry discussions.
Supper was ordered; and while it was
preparing Mr.. Webster sent for the
landlord to find out whether he could
procure chaise and driver to take him
to Baltimore. He told the inn-keeper
who he was, and why he was in haste.
The man made some objection on ac-
count of the darkness of the night and
the lateness of the hour; but finally
said that he would try to accommodate
him. He went off and soon returned to
say that he had found man who was
willing to take him to Baltimore. As
the landlord passed in and out, Mr..
Webster watched the movements and
character of the men in the bar-room.
He noticed that their leading speaker
was tall, muscular man of rather
fierce and truculent aspect, who seemed
to take the lead of conversation, and to
be the oracle of the crowd. Mr. Web
ster asked the maid-servant in attend
ance at his supper-table who that man
was.
Why" said she, with great sim
plicity, So don't you know him? That's
John Mumma, the butcher"
Mr.. Webster then recollected Num-
mas share in the Baltimore riots, but
gave himself no further thought about
the man. As soon as his hunger was
appeased he notified the landlord that
he desired to set out for the city forth
with. The chaise was Immediately
driven to the door, and Mr.. Webster
discovered by the light of the landlord
lantern that the identical leader of
the mob, John Mumma, was to be
his driver. 1t occurred to him at that
moment, as he afterward said, that as
this man butchered Gen. Lingan for
being a Federalist he might deem it an
act of patriotism to dispatch Mr.. Web
ster also. There was no time for DELHI
Grafton, however; he had proceeded too
far to recede. Said he:
81 felt young and strong, and
thought that no man could easily put
me under the Wheel
The crowd having learned the name
of the stranger huddled around the
chaise to get look at his face Mr..
Webster sprang into the vehicle, fol-
lowed by his companion. The two drove
for three or four miles at a rapid pace
without exchanging word At length.
after entering II dense grove, Mumma
drew in his horse and came to a dead |
halt. Turning to his companion he
said:
Are you Daniel WebsterP''
THAT is my name,' replied Mr..
Webster.
DO you know who amp said the
driver.
81 do" was the reply. "You are
John Mumma, the butcher"
IOu KNOW me, tnen, ne resumed; |
'' and are you not afraid to drive over
This road alone with me in the night?"
mot in the least" said Mr.. Webster.
- Why should fear youP'
81 don't know" said the murderer;
g but | think there is not another Fed
eralist in the country who would say so
much. l am glad to see you,n he
added, land to free my mind about
hose Baltimore riots. We who at
,acked the Jail had no ill-will against
zen. Lingan, Gen. Lee and the others