Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to James William Paige
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.43 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 February 1850 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.3 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Reports to his brother-in-law that William Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury, wrote to the Committee of Commerce in the House of Representatives regarding the subject of coinage. Reports that he will take the issue to Senate the following day. States that the admission of California to the Union as a free state in the Compromise of 1850 will not "break up, break down, or overset the Union" though the Union "may be tipped ... as a cart is liable to tip up when a heavy weight is put in to the hind end." Humorously ends by saying "You may go, on buying & selling, & getting gain."
Washington Feb. 17. 1850
My Dear Sir
You will perceive that Mr. Meredith has written, already, to the Com[mitt]ee of Commerce in the House, on the subject mentioned in your letter. I shall take your letter to the Senate tomorrow, & place it in the hands of our Committee, with a view to greater expedition.
I believe we shall not break up, or break down, or overset the Union at present; though, when California comes in, it may be tipped, a little; as a cart is liable to tip up when a heavy weight is put in to the hind End.
You may go on, buying & selling, & getting gain
Yrs always truly
Daniel Webster
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