Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1882-08-26
HIS SOUTHERN FRIENDS.
An Interesting Recollection by n
Friend of Daniel Webster.

The late Mr.. Stetson, of the Astor
House, was in Mr.. WebsteE's intimacy
at the time of the Baltimore nomination
of Gen. Scott. Prior to that nomina-
tion by the Wing party Mr.. Webster
had gone as far in defense of the rights
of the South as his Northern heart could
allow, and in note written from Marsh.
field to Mr.. Stetson he stated that he
expected a generous vote from the
South in the Convention, whether it
carried his nomination or not. Mr..
Stetson, being equally in the confidence
of the Southern leaders, apprehended
Mr.. Webster's defeat, and endeavored
to persuade Mr.. Choate, who headed
the delegation from Massachusetts, and
whose impassioned appeals for the nom-
ination of his friend are matters of
record, to prepare Mr.. Webster for the
possibility of disappointment. Mr..
Choate declined, however, possibly
thinking that he would be able, en-
dorsed as he was, to carry his point.
When the vote of Gen. Scott's nomina-
ton was made known, Mr.. Stetson saw
the modification that Mr.. Webster felt
at the neglect and his chagrin at the
meagre vote from first to last for him
self, together with his indignation to-
ward the Southern delegates who had
voted steadily against him. He wrote
to Mr.. Webster to come at once to his
rooms, where he prepared for him q
cordial welcome. Mr.. Webster did So
Meantime the Southern delegation de-
termined to take the cars, visit Mr.
Webster, and set forth the reasons that
dictated their conduct.
They reached the Astor House at mid
night, and were informed by Mr.. Stet-
son that Mr.. Webster was in bed, and
that he declined to rise, and refused to
see them. In the delegation were many
personal friends of Mr.. Stetson. He
invited the delegation to the large par
lor, where refreshments we're provided,
and then, going to Mr.. Webster's room,
he interceded with him and begged that
he would allow the Southern gentlemen
to call upon him in his parlor. Mr..
Webster at first refused, and was char
acteristically rough in his refusal, but
the calm and friendly suggestions of Mr..
Stetson overbore his opposition, and he
consented. BE wore neither stock nor
collar, did not remove his nightshirt,
wore his dressing gown and slippers,
and the strings of his drawers hung
loosely about his ankles. He gave the
delegation chilling Welcome, madeEhis
coolest bow and wore his blacklist look.
In response to a complimentary
speech, and cutting the speaker short,
be said that he did not desire to hear
vindication of their conduct he opened
his heart, showed his modification and
indignation recalled his services to
them, the disapproval of his own party
and the loss of lifelong friendships, and
reminded them that as they used him
and deserted him who had stood their
friend in dark and perilous hours, so
they had also used and deserted every
other Northern man who had been their
servant but he was the last Northern
man they would use and the last North
ern man they would desert. Mr.. Stet-
son, standing near the table, fearing
that Mr. Webster's personal feeling
would carry him beyond the bounds of
courtesy, indicated as much by ges-
ture, and Mr.. Webster, taking the hint.
said /: Gentlemen, my public life is
ended. I go to Marshville to sleep with
my fathers, carrying with me the con-
sciou sness of duty done. When peril
Gus times come to you, as come they
will, you will mourn in bitterness of
spirit your craven conduct and your
base ingratitude. Gentlemen, bid you
good night :" and taking the arm of his
host, the great statesman retired, leav-
ing the delegates to their deliberations.