Daniel Webster letter to Perkins, 28 January 1828

Boston, Monday, January 28, 1828.

MY DEAR SIR, You have learned by Mr. Paige's letter, that we reached Boston on Friday evening, and on Saturday committed Mrs. Webster's remains to the tomb. We used the occasion to bring into our own tomb the coffin containing the remains of our daughter Grace, who died January 23, 1817. My dear wife now lies with her oldest and her youngest ; and I hope it may please God, when my own appointed hour comes, that I may rest by her side.

Mrs. Bryant came immediately to see me and the children, and manifests the kindest sympathy in the calamity which has befallen us. She is an excellent woman, and one whom Mrs. Webster very much regarded and loved. All our friends have received us with a sincerity of condolence and sympathy which we can never forget. The children are well. Daniel will resume his usual residence and occupation in a day or two. Mrs. Lee, (Eliza Buckminster,) Mrs. Ticknor, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Appleton, and others, have offered, in the most friendly manner, to take care of Julia and Edward, for the winter. We have not yet decided how we shall dispose of them.

I pray you to give my most affectionate regards to Mrs. Perkins. I never can express how much I feel indebted to her kindness and friendship. If Mrs. Webster had been her sister, she could have done no more.

In a few days, I intend to set out for Washington. If there should come a flight of snow, so as to make sleighing, I shall immediately improve the occasion to get over the hills to New Haven. I am, dear Sir, most truly,

Yours, always,

DANIEL WEBSTER.