Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to James William Paige
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.50 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Franklin, New York Type: Letter signed Date: 14 July 1852 Pagination: 4 p. ; 22 x 17.4 cm. Order a Copy
Informs his brother-in-law that he can not go to the British Provinces in Canada until he resigns as Secretary of State, a position to which he was reappointed in 1850. Discusses whether he will live in Washington, D.C. or Boston following his resignation. Regrets that Willie (possibly Paige's son) cannot come visit. Based on the handwriting, possibly written by Webster's clerk, George Abbot, and signed by Webster.
On 21 June, Webster lost the Presidential nomination of the Whig Party to Winfield Scott. This public defeat and embarrassment spurred his resignation from political service.
Franklin July 14th 1852
Wednesday Evg. 7 oclock
My dear Sir,
There is no stopping people's talk. Of course I cannot go to the British Provinces, until I resign my present situation. If I should do that early next month, I might go to New Brunswick or Halifax to see how far a cool and moist atmosphere might relieve my catarrl. I cannot think of remaining in [2] Washington through August and September, and as so long as absence from my post, would no doubt be complained of, resignation seems to be the only alternative. And then you know I have talked of other things, but upon the whole, and after much reflection, although not without some hesitation. I am pretty much settled, in the idea of private life. [3]
Whether it will be wise in one to go to Washington in the Fall and live there as a private man for the winter, or whether it will be better to provide some residence in Boston, remains to be considered. My lease of the house at Washington, will not be out until next Spring or Summer. I have a little, but not much business in the Court. Washington is not disagreeable to me as a place of residence, but still, other things [4] being equal, I should prefer being nearer my kith & kin.
I am sorry his mother thinks Willie cannot come and see me at this time. Fletcher & his son have promised to come up on Friday, and of you can spare a day, it will give me pleasure to see you here. The matting has all come safe.
Yours truly always,
Daniel Webster
J.W. Paige Esq
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.