Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to James William Paige

London Octr. 13. 1839
My Dear Sir,
We all wrote by a late Packet Ship; but [then], which I [interred] for the G.W. may nevertheless arrive soonest. And informed you, by that opportunity, the party except myself all left London Sept. 29 - one fortnight this day - for the Continent. I soon heard from them at Antwerp & Brussels; & last Even[ing] recd a letter from Mrs Webster, dated at [Baste] in [Switzerland], on the 8th instant. They probably reached Geneva on the 10th & allowing a day or two for their stay, in that place, I think they may be expected to be in Paris the 15th or 16th - at which time I intend to be there myself. It is quite possible they [2] they may be in Paris in time to write by the [G. W.] but this may not be quite certain. They appear quite please with their Continental travels, except that they complain of want of time.
I am quite well, but feel anxious to get home. Things here are supposed to be rather improving. Mr. [Jacedon] is still on his legs, & if he has fair play, will get thro. his difficulties. He has had a most severe struggle. The Bank has placed him in a very [expired] situation; & the systematic amounts, made from high quarters, as all American audits, I repeated from day to day, with the most embittered hostility, have rendered it [3] it as exceedingly difficult for him to maintain himself. You may depend upon it, there is a purpose, among certain Bankers, Branches, [Hock] Dealers, etc, to defuse & decry American credit. The notion is devious. The rate of interest with us tends to draw English Capital over; whereas those above mentioned desire it should all remain here, to be the subject of frequent [standard] operations, in the money market of London. At the same time, it is certainly true, that American credit, in all positive forms, have been preferred & pushed on this market, in a most unreasonable & extravagant manner.
I wrote you, by the last conveyance and that I was to give Mrs. P. 1000 Dollars in Paris - & that you might pay the amnt. To Mrs. Healey. She wrote you, to the same affect under [4] under the circumstances it was not deemed best to use the credit on Mr. Jacedon.
Oct. 16. I have delayed my departure for Paris for two reasons - first - to get letters by the Queen - second, to have company, which goes tomorrow - the Queen is in - she has a letter for Mrs. W & three from you to Mrs. P. This mornig I recd. a letter from Mrs. W written at Dijon, half way from Geneva to Paris - on the 12th. They are now no doubt in Paris - I go tomorrow morning at 5 o'clock by way of Boulogne - Possibly letters may come from Paris to go by to the G. W. - I think they will, & though I shall be absent, they will be taken care of. We have been advised, by some, not to go [into] [Liverpool]. My own dilemma here is, that if there shall be reason to apprehend the least danger in going in [here], to take a packet ship. Probably you may have written to your wife on this matter. I shall run no risks - a passage in a sail ship will be long and tedious - but there will be no crowd - & it will be [safe.]
Yrs ever truly
D Webster
[written vertically in left-hand column of page 4]
Mr. Jacedon completed his loan yesterday - He [illegible] [illegible] as you know more money. All things are good & [better] in this [illegible] - can you hold our on [credit]?