Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to James William Paige
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.09 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 March 1828 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.6 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Reports that he received a letter from his cousin-in-law Eliza Buckminster Lee and from his daughter Julia Webster. Referring to the January 1828 death of his wife Grace Fletcher Webster, states that he "lost one half of [his] interest, & motives, in all the pursuits of life; & feel very little inclined to effort of any sort." Reports that he hopes to send Mr. Pratt (possibly fellow politician and lawyer Thomas George Pratt) $500 or $1000. Relates receiving a letter from his son Daniel Fletcher Webster, who is in Boston at boarding school. Marked copied.
Webster served as Massachusetts Senator 1827-1840. After Grace Fletcher Webster's death, Julia Webster stayed with Eliza Buckminster Lee.
8 March 1828, Washington
Dear William,
I am rather rich in letters today, having one from cousin Eliza, from Julia, & from Mr. ?, as well as from yourself. I wd. not put you to the trouble to write often; nor long letters, at any time; but it is a great comfort to hear from some of you every day or two as to the question which you say you are so often asked. I know not whether I can say much about. If I was richer, I believe I would go (provided I had an opportunity), but I do not know that, under present circumstance, I ought. Once I would have made great sacrifice to have gone ahead, & seen Europe. At present it is but half to much of an objective. And this is true of every thing else. I have lost one half of my interest, & motives, in all the pursuits of life; & feel very little inclined to effort of any sort. Barring engages me, for the moment, but as soon as I get alone, I almost regret having had anything to do with it - but enough of this.
If anything should take place, in regard to the matter above mentioned, I shall certainly let you know it; nor decide on anything, without consulting friends. Until you hear nothing from me, you may understand that nothing has taken place.
Mr. Pratt wants money. I hope to be able to send 500 or a thousand dollars, in two or three days - please tell him so.
I had yesterday a letter from Daniel, which I shall answer soon. I was in Court till 4 o'clock & when I have finished this letter it will be about the 10th I have bagged today -
Yours always truly
D. Webster
Saturday Eve'
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