The American statesman

Preface

The object of this volume is to present a sketch of the most interesting and important events which occurred in the history of the distinguished statesman who has lately passed away. The author makes no pretensions to the discovery of new facts. He has availed himself chiefly of the published memoirs and reminiscences of Mr. Webster, amongst which were Daniel Webster and his Contemporaries, by Charles W. March ; The Private Life of Daniel Webster, by Charles Lanman : Personal Memorials of Daniel Webster ; Memoir of the Life of Daniel Webster, by Samuel L. Knapp : Biographical Memoir of the Life of Daniel Webster, by Edward Everett, prefixed to Mr. Webster's Works, and Life and Memorials of Daniel Webster ; together with the numerous eulogies,

6 PREFACE.

Speeches, and sermons occasioned by his decease, selecting such facts and incidents from each as would suit his purpose, and deducing from them such lessons or principles of action as are worthy the contemplation of those for whom the book is specially designed.

That the distinguished subject of this workhad his faults, and that there is a difference of opinion as to the wisdom of some of the acts of his political life, no one presumes to deny. But it is of his commendable traits of character that the author here treats. These he would hold up for the admiration and imitation of American youth. He has endeavored to prepare a work which every American patriot would be pleased to have his children read.

Chapter I. Paqb

The two Riders. —A pleasing Proposition. — Accepted. — A Bite. — A Plunge. — A Trout caught. — Daniel Webster. — His Birthplace. — Kearsage Mountain. —The tottling Boy. — The mysterious Well. — Drinking from the moss-covered Bucket. — Influence of Nature on Style. — Webster's Love for the Grand in Nature. — Worthy of Imitation. —Pictures admired more than the original Landscapes.— Advice to the Young. — Influence of the Love of Nature on Character ^^

Chapter II

Webster's Father. — Webster's Health. — His Education desired. — Providential Arrangement. — A School opened. — Teacher Chase — Webster's early Struggles for an Education. — Unreasonable Complaints Contrasts. — Master Tappan. — Mutual Remembrances. —

Webster's first Letter to Tappan. — His Donation. — Master Tap-

I CONTENTS.

pan'a Testimony. — Webster gets a Reward. — Tappan's Enthusiasm. — Webster's second Letter to him. — His Example commended. — Note. — Tappan's Death. — Teacher Hoyt. — His Character. — Webster's Testimony concerning him. — Webster reads to the Teamsters. — Domestic Scenes 23

Chapter III

Social Libraries. — Webster's Reading. — The Mill — Daniel at the Mill. — His favorite Authors. — His Employment favorable for Reading. --The Constitution on the Handkerchief. — The Books he choSe. — His Amusements. — Freezes his Toes. — No Pleasure in being scolded. — Observance of the Sabbath. — Deacon True's Boys. — The Influence of Habit. — Webster a quick Learner. — Concludes to become a Teacher. — Goes to an Academy. — Importance of Education. — Webster and the Side Saddle. — His Examination. — He can't declaim. — Is ridiculed. — rfis two Promotions 40

Chapter IV

A Sleigh Ride. — Affecting Incident. — Benefits of Knowledge. — Advice to Youth. — A Supposition. — Webster learns rapidly. — His Mode of Retaliation. — A Day for Pigeon shooting. — Industrious Boy. — His Habits broken. — Blistered Hands. — Groes a Berrying. — An amusing Incident. — Poorly fitted for College. — Importance of a good Preparation for College. — False Position. — Webster's Ride to Hanover. — Great Freshet. — Appears before the Faculty for Examination. — Blue Dan. — Passes the Ordeal safely — Enters College at the Age of Fifteen 59

CONTENTS.

Chapter V

Webster is classed low. — He soon rises. — His Industry in College — Advice to Undergraduates. — College Temptations. — Their Antidote. — Webster studies Oratory. — His personal Appearance. — Delivers a Fourth of July Oration. — Great Britain's Injustice in the French War. — English Oppressions. — Battle of Bunker Hill.— Declaration of Independence. — Webster's Address to the Revolutionary Fathers. — Remarks upon the Oration. — He delivers a funeral Eulogy. — Mortality a Principle of Action. — Prepare for the Future. — Religious Suggestions "^^

Chapter VI

A great Gathering. — Webster's Theme at Commencement. — Howr collegiate Honors are distributed. — United Fraternity. — Webster chosen Orator. — His Oration. — Tears up his Diploma. — Studies with Squire Thompson. — Becomes a School Teacher. — Advantages of keeping School. — Registry of Deeds. — Where there is a Will there is a Way. — Fingers ache. — Volumes of Deeds.— Vote

of Thanks. —Academy burned Aflection. — Reverence for Mr.

Webster. — How manifested. — Continues to study Law. —Commits to Memory Orations ^

Chapter VII

Webster fond of Fishing. — Lovewell's Pond. — The great Fight. — Importance of Relaxation. — Mr. Webster'.s Course. — Relinquishes his School. — Providential Circumstance. — Mr. Webster's Progress in

Law. — His Attention to Business. — The wrong Course. — Kimball's Turnpilte. — Webster's Determination. — His Success. — Rule to regulate Subscriptions. — Mr. Webster studies with Hon. Mr. Gore. — Is admitted to the Bar. — Mr. Gore's Commendation and Prophecy .... 101

Chapter VIII

Has a Clerkship offered him — Declines it. — His Father displeased. — Pays his Father's Debts. — His filial Attachment. — Some treat their Parents unkindly. — Mr. Webster's first Plea. — He astonishes every body. — Controlling Witnesses. — The Detection. — The Character of his Arguments. — Webster and Mason — " Import a young Earthquake " 117

CHAPTER IX. A dreadful Deed General Alarm. — Attack of two Footpads

Hatch's Disclosure. — Grant's Letters. — Grant arrested — The Knapps arrested. — The Confession. — The Plot explained. — Palmer imprisoned. — Crowninsliield's Signal. — Palmer's Fear. — The Trial. — Mr. Webster's Plea. — The Wicked insnare themselves. — Extraordinary Things — Avoid bad Company 134

Chapter X

Mr. Webster in the House of Representatives. — His first Speech. — Its Impression. — Was successful. — Not in Haste to debate. — His

Qualities as an Orator. — An Attack on New England. — Webster and Bell. — A crowded Senate. — His Introduction. — His Allusion to the Old Bay State. —The thrilling Effect. — Meeting in the East Room. — Importance of the Speech. — Webster's transcendent Abilities. — Seventh of March Speech. — Its Effect. — Different Opinions concerning it > 173

Chapter XI

Ezekiel Webster. — A noble Mother. — An Affecting Night Scene. — Fraternal Attachment. — Touching Tribute of Affection. — A beautiful Letter. — Dedications. — Living Monuments. — The Profile. — Mother's Garden. — Mr. Webster visits his Grave. — The Cemetery. — His Remarks. — Monumental Inscriptions. — Mr. Webster's Poetry, "The Memory of the Heart" 199

Chapter XII

Mr. Webster's Mirthfulness. — A playful Letter. — Mr. Choate's Pathos. — Webster's practical Joke. — Mr. Choate's poor Writing. — Effect of the Joke. — Mr. Webster's Trout Law. — " That ain't the Worst of it." — Amusing Contrast. — The Senate mterrupted. — Webster and the Buckeyes. — "Old Webster" and the sporting Snobs. — Appearances deceptive. — Webster's Wit. — Amusing Reply. — " Venerable " Trout. — Effect of Cheerfulness. — Webster's Spelling Book 217

Chapter XIII

Mr. Webster an early Riser. — His Letter on the Morning. — Adam's Mornings. — What to observe in the Morning. — Dr. Doddridge on early Rising. — Beauties of Marshfield. — Mr. Webster's Love of Trees. — He protects Birds. — His Reward. — The Quails. — He taraes wild Geese. — His Interest m the natural Sciences. — Presents Audubon with Birds. — The Wall-flower. — The Sound of the Sea. — Lessons of Nature. — Dignity of the Study of Nature. . . . 236

Chapter XIV

Mr. Webster's Candor. — Mr. Ketchum's Testimony — Direction to Mr. Everett — His Magnanimity. — Dr. Choules's Testimony. — Webster and Dickenson. — Webster's Eulogy on Calhoun. — Char acter of his Mind. — H's impressive Manner. — He will be remembered. — Webster and Hayne. — How to treat Opponents. — Charity 953

Chapter XV

The Human Family a Brotherhood. — Effect of little Kindnesses — Webster and Miss Mitford. — Influence of a Friend's Death. — Donations of Garden Seeds. — Gives away a Cow. — Kindness to Mr. Tappan. — Hungarian Bull. — Grores Mr. Taylor — Kossuth. — Mr. Webster's Present — Charles Brown's Use of Holiday Money. — Items in Mr. Webster's Will. — A Rebuke and Fifty Dollars.— The old Lady on Webster's Farm. — Another Fifty Dollars. ~Web> rter loans a Client Money. — A touching Story of a Widow's Poverty and Mr. Webster's Benevolence 964

Chapter XVI

Mr. Webster never out of Order. — Sings with an old Lady. — Religious Allusions. — The Bible is " the Book." — Piety of his Brother Ezekiel. — An Evening Scene and Scripture Quotation. — Mr. Webster's Remarks on Job. — He prefers John. — Constant in Attendance on Public Worship. — His Opinii/n of Sermonizing. — His Opinion of Prayer. — Mr. Kirk's Sermon. — Mr. Webster's Remarks upon it. — Believer in the Atonement. — Requests Prayer on board a Steamboat. — Influence of Prayer. — Arithmetic of Heaven. — His Religious Views. — Pleased with Dr. Watts's Hymns. — Mr. Alden's Eulogy. — Recognition of Divine Providence. — Evidences of Christianity. — Writes the Inscription for his own Monument — Its Importance 284

Chapter XVII

Mr. Webster's Health fails. — He retires to Marshiield. — His Strength decreases. — Signs his Will. — Returns Thanks. — Encourages Dr. Jeffries. — His Prediction. — It is fulfilled. — Arranges for the Express. — Gives Instructions respecting his Affairs. — His last Interview with his Family. — Peter Harvey. — 24th of October. — Gray's Elegy — Calls in his Servants. — The Valley. — His Death. — Poetry 330

Chapter XVIII

Funeral of Mr. Webster at Marshfield. — Appearance of his Remains. — He is borne to the Grave by his Neighbors. — Boston in Mourning. — Impressive Arrangements. — Business suspended. —

Appropriate Mottoes Funeral Obsequies in Boston on the 30th of

November. — Address of Mr. Hillard. — Closing Quotation 339

Chapter I. •

The two Riders. — A pleasing' Proposition. — Accepted. — A Bite. — A Plunge. — A Trout caught. — Daniel Webster.— His Birthplace. — Kearsage Mountain. — The tottling Boy. — The mysterious Well. — Drinking from the moss-covered Bucket. — Influence of Nature on Style. — Webster's Love for the Grand in Nature. — Worthy of Imitation. — Pictures admired more than the original Landscapes. — Advice to the Young. — Influence of the Love of Nature on Character.

About sixty-five years ago, a man of stalwart form, broad shoulders, and swarthy complexion, was riding through Salisbury, in New Hampshire, on horseback, carrying with him a puny little boy, with dark features, sparkling black eyes, a round, projecting forehead, and dressed in coarse, homespun clothes, with two little, shoeless feet projecting from beneath. The man had been indulging in juvenile conversation, adapted to the comprehension of his young charge, for some time, in which the little fellow had taken part, with an occasional childlike remark or question. As they approached a brook, whose clear, cool waters flowed, sometimes murmuringly, at other times silently, through the woods and fields, marking their course by a vigorous fertility, the gentleman suddenly exclaimed, " Dan, how would you like to catch a trout 1 "

16 THE TWO RIDERS.

The little boy, who perhaps had never used hook and hne before, immediately signified his pleasure at the proposition. The horse was checked ; both riders dismounted, and began to prepare for the sport. The tall form and long arms of the gentleman were specially favorable in aiding him to cut from a neighboring tree a rod. It would seem as if he were accustomed to these extemporaneous fishing excursions, and always went prepared for them ; for, thrusting his hand into his pocket, he drew out a string and hook ; then turning over a stone or two, he found a worm, which he soon adjusted as bait. After fastening the line to the rod, he gave it to the little boy, saying, " Now, Dan, creep carefully upon that rock, and throw the bait upon the farther side of the pool." The little fisherman did as he was ordered. His bait was soon in the water, and his eye intently watching it. It was not long before some indiscreet fish, thoughtless of consequences, darted from his concealment, seized the bait, and disappeared like a flash of lightning. This was just what the boy wanted. Being highly excited with his success, he gave a sudden jerk to the line ; but, instead of drawing the fish out of the water, he unfortunately lost his balance, and plunged headlong into the pool. The gentleman, seeing that the boy was more likely, from present appearances, to die in the water, than the fish was to expire upon

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Webster's birthplace. 17

the land, ran to his rescue. He succeeded n reachuig him and drawing him ashore, " with a pound trout traihng behind him." This lad was Daniel Webster, and the person who had him in charge was his own father.

Not fai' from the place where this rather ludicrous incident occurred, stood, at that time, one of the better class of farm houses ; although, at the present period, and in other localities, if might be regarded as a very ordinary building. It was but one story high, with a door in the middle, and a window on each side, and three windovv^s at either end. It contained four rooms on the ground floor, with, probably, chambers in the attic. An addition in the rear answered the purpose of a kitchen. It had only one chimney, and this arose from the centre of the roof, furnishing, probably, three or four fireplaces, in as many different rooms. The framework was of heavy timber, the exterior clapboarded, and the ends pointed, differing in this respect from the gambrel roof. On the green in front of the house arose a large and graceful elm, extending its long and heavy branches over the mansion below, as if, in the exercise of an affectionate interest, it vrould protect it from harm. Many other trees of the same kind were scattered over the grounds, on which account the place received the appropriate name of " Elms Farm." Near one end of the house was a deep

18 HIS EARLY CHILDHOOD.

well, with a long, old-fashioned well sweep, to one extremity of which was attached a bucket, by means of which the clear, cool water was drawn up for the use of the family. At a short distance, in front of the house, flowed a beautiful silver stream, over which was thrown a safe, though rough-looking bridge. Farther off was a high hill, crowned with a church, and beyond all, the lofty Kearsage mountain lifted itself, " head and shoulders " above the surrounding hills — a beautiful type of him, who, in intellectual greatness, rose far above his compeers.

In this house, on the 18th day of January, 1782, Daniel Wel)ster was born. Now that he has departed, after having lived to a good old age, and after having acquired a world-wide fame, as a far-reaching statesman, a powerful orator, and a skilful diplomatist, it is interesting to look back, and contemplate the circumstances and events of his early life. At one time, we see him, a little, totthng boy, in homespun frock, making his first essays to balance himself upon his shoeless feet, as he advances from the doorstep to greet his father, who has just crossed the bridge, and is approaching, with outstretched hands and rapid step, to meet him. Again we see him, amusing himself under the shadow of the friendly elm, that stands by the door, like a huge grenadier,

YOUTHFUL FANCIES. 19

guarding the entrance to a fort. A few years later, we behold him tripping over the fields, jumping across the brook, or wandering along its margin, with hook and line, ready to " try his luck " so soon as he shall have reached a place where the water is sufficiently still and deep to give promise of success. Again, wearied with his wanderings, or his labors, is he leaning over the well, gazing at another little boy that he sees far down in the bottom, and who is mysteriously looking up at him. It would not be strange, if at times he imagined it a hole cut through the earth, and that some little fellow, on the other side, was, like himself, indulging his curiosity by looking through. A pebble dropping in disturbs the surface of the water, breaks the mysterious picture into a thousand fragments, and dispels the illusion. Again, in evening twilight, we seem to see him sitting upon the doorsill ; and, as the noble Kearsage rises in the distance, with its bold outline clearly defined against the gray-blue sky, he gives reins to his juvenile fancy ; and, as the ancient Hebrews " sucked honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock," so he drinks in inspiration from the sublimity of the majestic mount before him. Who can tell to iiow great a degree he was indebted, for the simplicity, the directness, and the majesty of his thoughts, and of his style as an orator, to the noble simplicity and

20 HIS LOVE OF NATURE.

grandeur of this mountain ? It was not decorated with beautiful, terraced, hanging gardens, nor with graceful, luxuriant vineyards. It arose almost naked from the plain, as though it spurned ornament — as though it needed nothing but its own majestic proportions to give it grandeur ; and thus, by its own silent, powerful, eloquent example, it may have ? ided to impart those characteristics of thought and diction which give such a charm and force to the oratory of Mr. Webster.

From early life Mr. Webster was fond of Nature. He loved sunlight and shadow, rolling hills, quiet lawns, turbulent streams, and placid lakes. Nature, in her milder, her gayer, or her sterner moods, was to him always pleasing. He was specially interested in the great things of creation. He deliohted to travel through the wildness of mountain scenery. Its projecting cliffs, its high precipices, its deep chasms, its lightning-scarred rocks, its thundering cataracts, and its leaning, gigantic trees, with roots half exposed, threatening every moment to fall, and ofttimes executing their threatenings, — all inspired him with pleasing emotions and instructive thoughts. He loved to wander by the ocean, and have its huge billows roll up and lay their bubbles at his feet. Its vast expanse, its ceaseless restlessness, its emerald hue, and the music of its roar, were always grateful to him. He loved to gaze

EXAMPLE FOR IMITATION. 21

into the unmeasured spaces above him, and contemplate the stars, as immense globes swinging in their orbits, as if they were the mighty pendulums which controlled the cycles of ages, and regulated the mechanism of the universe.

This love of Nature, Mr. Webster, as we have said, early developed. It strengthened with advancing years, and became a prominent feature in his character. In this respect, his example is worthy of imitation by the young. It seems surprising that, with so many objects of admiration around us, as are presented in the infinite variety of forms, colors, and combinations of natural objects, there are any who derive from their contemplation no enjoyment. Many individuals will gaze upon a picture — a landscape for instance — with the greatest pleasure. Its rough rocks, vine-draped trees, or decaying, misshapen stumps, are pointed out as interesting features, equal almost to the more important combinations of hill and valley, land and water, on which the artist has bestowed his greatest skill. And yet. these same persons would ride by the original of that picture, executed with the infinite skill of the Divine Artist, and give it no attention whatever. O, how many magnificent landscapes are every day passed by, without eliciting any praise, or awakening any admiration in the beholder !

Let it not be so with you. On the contrary,

22 INFLUENCE OF NATURE.

cultivate a taste for the beautiful objects of creation. Notice the colors on the petal of a flower, the infinite diversity of forms in the leaves of trees, and the changing effects of liglit and shade. Calmly contemplate the hues and shapes of the ever-shifting clouds, the features of the ocean, the lake, or the river. Form a habit of observing the peculiarities of natural objects in your immediate vicinity, and you will find your heart warming towards them. The scenery with which you have always been familiar will, to your fancy, put on a new dress, and invest itself with more pleasing charms. This is not all ; for the love of Nature has an elevating and purifying influence. It fills the mind with ennobling thoughts ; it calms the passions ; it reminds us of the wisdom, 'the power, the goodness, and the omnipresence of the Creator, and makes us more sensible of our own weakness, and of our entire dependence upon Him without whom we can do nothing.

Chapter II

Webster's Father. — Webster's Health.— His Education desired. — Providential Arrangement. — A School opened. — Teacher Chase. — Webster's early Strug-gles for an Education. — Unreasonable Complaints. —^'Contrasts. — Master Tappan. — Mutual Remembrances. — Webster's first Letter to Tappan. — His Donation. — Master Tappan's Testimony. — Webster gets a Reward. — Tappan's Enthusiasm. — Webster's second Letter to him. — His Example commended. — Note. — Tappan's Death. — Teacher Hoyt. — His Character. — Webster's Testimony concerning him. — Webster reads to the Teamsters. — Domestic Scenes.

The parents of young Webster appreciated the value of a good education. His father, knowing from his own painful experience the disadvantages of being destitute of so great a boon, was anxious that his children should escape a similar experience. He was particularly solicitous with reference to Daniel, who, in his childhood, was pale, weak, and sickly. Fearing that he would be unable to perform the heavy work of a farmer, or to obtain his livelihood from any of the mechanic arts, he was the more anxious to give him as good an education as his circumstances would permit. May we not discover in these facts the development of a wise Providence 1 If Daniel had been a strong, muscular boy, or, being weakly, if his parents had not

24 • DIVINE PROVIDENCE.

set a high value upon education, he would probably have been devoted to an agricultural life, and then the whole current of his history would have flowed in a channel vastly different from that which now marks its course. His noble speeches, his model state papers, his sagacious diplomacy, his legal knowledge, and his clear and comprehensive expositions of the Constitution of the United States, with all the patriotic and conservative influence which has followed them, would have been lost to the world. In what respects the present condition of our country would then have been different from what it is, how far those principles and measures which he opposed would have triumphed, and to how great a degree the adoption of the views and policy which he advocated would have failed, it may not be easy to tell. No one will deny that a great loss would have been experienced to literature, to law, and the science of civil government. This, however, was prevented by the providential sickliness of his youth, and the discretion of his parents. Truly —

" There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Roug-hhew them how we will."

At the time kittle Daniel was old enough to commence sitting at the feet of some Gamaliel, it so happened that no »* schoolmaster was abroad " in

HIS FIRST TEACHER. 25

the vicinity of his home. His mother was his teacher. She gave him the key to all knowledge, by initiating him into the mysteries of the alphabet. That she was a suitable person to have the control of his infantile years, will be made apparent upon a subsequent page.

As the neighbors, in the vicinity of Elms Farm, were equally anxious with Mr. Webster to secure the opportunities of education for their children, a gentleman by the name of Chase was induced to open a school near Mr. Webster's house. There was nothing particularly promising in the enterprise, nothing imposing in its external demonstrations. It was not held in a public hall, nor in an edifice erected for the purpose, which might be dignified with the name of school house, but in a hired room in the house of a neighbor, whose name was San- ^ born. To this room little Daniel was sent every day, to learn how to spell and read his mother tongue. This house has resisted the power of the elements, and the inroads of modern improvements, till the present time. It will doubtless be, in future vears, an attractive spot to thousands, who will desire to see the original school room where the giant intellect of America's greatest statesman received its first academic instruction. At that early period, by the law of New Hampshire, each town was divided into several school districts. Accordingly,

26 MIGRATORY EDUCATION.

Salisbury, the town in which Mr. Webster resided, contained three school houses, scattered at a distance of several miles from each other. In these, however, school was not kept all the year. A teacher was employed by the town, who taught a tliird of a year in each of them ; so that the opportunity of education was somewhat migratory. These school houses were of a rude, unfinished, log-house character, erected for use, and not for show. By this time they have all passed away, leaving not a trace behind.

When the term arrived for the school house in Mr. Webster's district to be opened, it was easy for Daniel to attend ; but when the school was kept in the other districts, the young lad did not stay at home. With basket, or tin pail, containing his dinner, he trudged away, mile after mile, over hill and dale, and through comparatively unfrequented roads, to school, and returned again at night. So highly did his parents value education, that they were willing to subject their children to great inconvenience for its attainment. It is no uncommon thinjr for both children and parents, in large cities, to indulge in complaints, if the school house happens to be situated a half mile from their residence, although there are good sidewalks all the way. One might infer, from the tone of their remarks, that they considered the sending of their children to school a

MASTER TAPPAN. 27

favor to the teacher or the school committee, instead of a privilege to themselves, and that therefore they were justified in their complaints of its distance. It would be well for such to remember the incon veniences which were endured by their forefathers, in obtaining what at best was only a "little school ing," and contrast their long and dreary walks, over poor roads, in all kinds of weather, their miserable school houses, and ofttimes their equally miserable teaching, with the convenient and well-furnished schools, and the excellent instruction of the present day. The number is not small of those, who, if they were subjected to the embarrassments which the feeble young Webster was obliged to surmount, would be discouraged, and faint by the way.

The next teacher to whom young Webster was sent was James Tappan. This gentleman is still living, and is nearly ninety years of age. He resides in Gloucester.* Although there had been a separation between master and pupil for many years, yet they each retained a distinct recollection of each other. That the master should remember the pupil, especially when his subsequent history was radiant with glory, and that he should continue to follow his career with something of paternal pride, is not remarkable ; but that the scholar should retain a distinct impression of the first instructors of

* See Note on p. 34.

28 Webster's leiter to tappan.

his childhood, of their characters and quahfications for their office, and that that impression should not be erased during a long series of years, filled up with ceaseless attention to national cares, and the reception of popular glory, may justly excite surprise. In 1851, Mr. Tappan, who was in reduced circumstances, took the liberty of addressing a letter to his old pupil, in which he referred to his recollections of their former relation. This drew from Mr. Webster the following reply, in which there is a beautiful blending of the sentiments of friendship

and piety : —

"Washington, February 26, 1851. If

" Master Tappan : I thank you for your letter, and am rejoiced to know that you are among the living. I remember you perfectly well, as a teacher of my infant years. I suppose my mother must have taught me to read very early, as I have never been able to recollect the time when I could ..not read the Bible. I think Master Chase was my earliest schoolmaster, probably when I was three or four years old. Then came Master Tappan. You boarded at our house, and sometimes, I think, in the family of Mr. Benjamin Sanborn, our neiglibor, the jame man. Most of those whom you knew in New Salisbury have gone to their graves. Mr. John Sanborn, the son of Benjamin, is yet living, and is about your a^e. Mr. John Colby, who married my

V

THE DONATION. 29

eldest sister, Susannah, is also living. On the * ' North Road ' is Mr. Benjamin Pettingil. I think of none else among the living whom you would probably remember. You have, indeed, lived a checkered life. I hope you have been able to bear prosperity with meekness, and adversity with patience. These things are all ordered for us far better than we could order them for ourselves. We may pray for our daily bread ; we may pray for the forgiveness of sins ; we may pray to be kept from temptation, and that the kingdom of God may come in us, and in all men, and his will every vv^here be done. Beyond this we hardly know for what good to supplicate the divine mercy. Our heavenly Father knovveth what we have need of better than we know ourselves, and we are sure that his eye, and his loving kindness, are upon us and around us every moment.