The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1884-01-19
VOL. XIX.-NO. 10.

do you more service than any other man. y
Wilson looked astonished. ''Do you not
know that the relations between Benton
and myself are now, and for years have
been, of the most hostile character 2" Mr..
Webster told Wilson that he was well aware
of the fact, but added, "Benton is now a
changed man; very great change has come
over him within short time. His feelings
and sentiments are softened. We are all
getting old Our fiery blood is getting
cooled and changed" :" is thy servant a
dog replied Wilson, g that he should do
this thing of asking favor of Tom Ben
ton? Not to save the lives of my family
would do it. No, sir! The very thought
makes me shudder / feel indignant at the
mere mention of it. | take letter from
Mr.. Benton! l. "Stop, STOP" said
Mr.. Webster, ''that is the old man speak
ing in you. That is not the spirit in which
you should answer" etc. And turning to
his desk he wrote note to Mr.. Benton,
stating that ''while he was well aware of
the disputes, personal and political, between
Benton and Wilson, the latter is now poor
and is going to California, and needs let
ter of recommendation. No one could give
such letter that would do more good than
one from Mr. Benton, who knows every
body. | am going to persuade him to carry
the letter to you, and | know you will be
glad to see him. Wilson was at last per-
suaded to carry the letter. He said it was
the bitterest pill he ever swallowed. Will
son, as he afterwards said, went to Renton's
house, and with trembling hands rang the
bell and handed the letter and his card into
the hands of servant, and then, ashamed
of what he had done, went to his lodgings.
Within half hour a note came to him
from Benton, acknowledging the receipt of
the card and Mr.. Webster's note, and that
Mrs. Benton and himself would have much
pleasure in receiving Mr.. Wilson at break
fast at nine o'clock next morning, and that
they would wait breakfast for him, and that
no answer was expected. Wilson said he lay
awake most of the night thinking of taking
breakfast with Benton, his old, his bitter,
his implacable foe; and yet he must 90, for
he had delivered Webster's letter His
hands, he said, trembled as he rang the
bell, and it was answered by Benton in per-
SON Grasping Wilson's hand he said:
"Wilson, this is the happiest meeting
have had for years, and Webster has done
the kindest thing he ever did in his life
Leading Wilson to the breakfast-room, he
introduced him to Mrs Benton, and after
inquiring about Wilson's family, he said:
"Mr. Wilson, you and have been calling
each other hard names, but with no want
of mutual respect and confidence. 1t was
mere foolish political fight, Let US wipe
it out of mind. Everything harsh l have
said about you I sincerely ask your pardon
for." Tears gushed from the eyes of each.
The entire morning was spent in talking
over old times. Not one word had been
said about the letters When Wilson rose
to depart Benton turned to his desk and
said: II have prepared some letters for
you to my son-in-law and others in Califor-
mia, and he handed him nine sheets of fools
cap Wilson told Webster that they were
not letters, but ukase, command to every
person to whom these presents shall come,
greeting: To the effect that whoever re-
ceivd them would give special attention,
to the wants of his particular friend
John Wilson, of st. Louis. Everything
had to give way for that. The letters were
success, and Wilson retrieved his fortune
in California.
Col. Benton warmly thanked Mr., Web
ster for thus bringing about a reconciliation
with his old enemy--a man against whom
he had for years deeper personal dislike
than of any other man. But, even while
thus bringing his pride and temper into
subjection, there was one man to whom
Benton could not be reconciled, and that
man was John c. Calhoun. Benton gave
Calhoun credit for the highest talent and
for an irreproachable private character, yet
he deemed him the most dangerous of
men