Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to Harriette Story Paige
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.38 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 February 1848 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 18.1 x 11.5 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his sister-in-law that Washington physician and friend Dr. Harvey Lindsley "reprieved [Webster] out of the hands of the Court ... till he can deal with [Webster's] rheumatics." Reports there is "little interest in the House of Congress" besides several speeches he intends to send to Harriette's husband James William Paige.
Webster served as a Massachusetts Senator 1827-1840 and 1845-1850.
Monday Feb 14. '48
Dear Mrs. P
I write this to you instead of Mrs. Webster, as she may have left, when this shall reach Boston. I have little to say today, except what I have said in the [illegible] short note to Julia. The weather remains quite mild, but today the air is damp. Dr. Lindsley has relieved me out of the hands of the Court, for two or three days till he can [2] can deal with my rheumatics, je cundeau arteur. I [rarely] believe the consequences will be that I shall read a book; a thing I have not done for many months. I have already looked over the American Almanac for 1848! I seriously began another vol. There is little interest in the House of Congress. "Speech after speech still take their hourly turns;
"Committee [rises & the House adjourns." [3]
I doubt whether I shall fall into this speech-making Profession.
Nevertheless, we have now several sensible speeches. I wd. send some of them to Mr. P. but do not suppose he cares much for them. I shall be glad to see Mrs. W back - especially as her two lieutenants think of resigning at the end of the week -
Yours affectionately
Daniel Webster
[Address leaf]
To Mr[s] James [W] Paige
(sentence illegible)
[note]
Say to Mrs W. if she is with you,
that I have recd her letter of
Saturday. Mr Hale, if spoken
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