Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to Harriette Story Paige
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.20 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 December 1840 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25.1 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his sister-in-law two days after accepting appointment as Secretary of State by President William Henry Harrison. Reports that he and Mr. Curtis, (possibly Edward Curtis, fellow Congressman, lawyer, and friend) are arranging more suitable, permanent living accommodations for their families in Washington. Docket and a summary of the contents of page two of this letter included on the page, initialed by Harriette Story Paige.
Though Webster had spent much of his time in Washington as Representative (1813-1816) and (1823-1828), and as Senator (1827-1840), it was not until his appointment as Secretary of State that he arranged more permanent lodgings there.
Washington Decr 13. 1840
Dear Mrs. Paige,
I give to you the fresh thoughts of the mornig, as I write this by candle light at 6 o'clock A.M. I have already written to Mr. Paige, on matters of business, & it is indeed rather a matter of business that I wish to speak to you about, in this letter. You must know that Mr. Curtis & myself left our beloved wives in N. York, there to remain until we should be able to provide suitable lodgings for them. We have obtained some rooms, & [strikeout] [inserted: while] accommodating our own families we have got a snug place or two for friends, who may happen this way, in February or March. At dinner yesterday, Mr. Curtis & I being present, it was voted unanimously that the best of these extra accommodations should [2] be at once tendered to you & Mr. Paige, & I was appointed Secretary, to make the communication. So you see that really this is a matter of business.
And now, my Dear Lady, if you will signify to us that we may hope for your company, we will keep a good room for you, & defend it, mean while, agt all comers. Be pleased to say you will come, children being well, & nothing happening. It will be your last chance of seeing me in the Senate, as I swear to resign at the end of the session.
I did not reach Washington till Wednesday at 9 pm during the storm. I lay at anchor in Philadelphia without sea sickness, & without the fear of splitting our topsails or getting ashore on the coast of North Carolina*. We have had a great rain here, following a most unusually deep snow. I have hardly been out of the house yet, & [3] am rather glad of an opportunity of staying in & doing nothing. We shall look for our spouses about Saturday, the 19th. Let my two daughters & Mrs. [illegible] know that I am well. I miss all the children - [viz] two Paiges, two Websters, an Appleton, & one Joy, six in all. & let me hear from you soon.
Yours always truly &
Affectionately
Danl Webster
Mrs Paige
Daniel Webster
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