Year: 1879

Some years ago the writer was favored
with the perusal of a genuine autograph
letter, written by the revered Daniel
Webster to his son Edward about the time
the latter commenced his studies at Phil
lips Exeter Academy. The following is
verbatim copy of the letter:


WASHINGTON, June 20, 1884.


My DEAR Son: Fletcher wrote me from
Exeter, the next day after your arrival,
and informed me that you had been 80
fortunate as to be received at Col. Chad .
wick's, and was commencing your studies.
am glad you are so well situated, and
trust you will make progress in your
studies. You are at a most important Pc
riod Of life. my dear son, soon growing
up to be young man, and boy no long
er, and feel great anxiety for your sue
cess and happiness. / beseech you to be
attentive to your duties, and to fulfill
every obligation with cheerfulness and
punctuality. Above all remember your
moral and religious concerns. Be constant
at church and prayer, and every other ap-
pointment for worship. There can be no
solid character and no true happiness
which are not founded on sense of relig-
ious duty. Avoid all evil company, aud
every temptation. and consider that you
have now left your fathers house, and
gone forth to improve your own character.
and prepare your own mind for the part
you are are to lead in life. All that can
be done for you by others will amount to
nothing, unless you do much for yourself
Cherish all the good counsel which your
mother used to give you. and let those of
us who are yet alive have the pleasure Of
seeing you come forward as one who gives
promise of virtue, usefulness, and distinc-
ton. l fervently commend you to the
blessing of our Heavenly Father.


Congress rises, as we expect, one week
from this day. believe shall go direct
ly home. Your mother and Julia, sup
pose will be in Boston before me. We
shall all 90 to Marshfield, where you will
of course join us when your vacation
comes.


happen to have two small Mass. bills.
they do not go here, and inclose them to
you, to be used if you should have occa-
sion. to buy book, or spend dollar for
any other article.


wish you to make my best respects to
DIR. Abbott. the Principal of the academy
and remember me to Col. and Mrs. Chad
wick and their family. III do not hear
from you sooner, shall expect to find
letter from you when reach Boston.


Your affectionate father,


DANIEL WEBSTER.


EDWARD WEBSTER.


p. S. Since writing this, have reed
y'r letter, and am very glad to hear from
you. Give my love to your friend Uphan.
remember the great tree, and know ex-
actly where your room is.


Charles sends his love.


The original of this characteristic letter
was, and doubtless still is, in the possess
sion of Mr.. George S. Shute, of Exeter,
and its full text has never before been in
print. few extracts only having been
published in the Boston Traveller some 10
or more years ago. The friend Upham
was George I. Upham, Of Portsmouth,
who entered the academy in the same year
with Edward Webster-l834 Daniel
Webster entered the academy from Sails
bury in 1896, at the age of IA. and to the
thorough practical education he there re-
ceived is doubtless due in great measure
the distinction to which he attained in later
wears.