Daniel Webster letter to Charles Haddock, 19 January 1830

Washington, January 19, 1830.

MY DEAR NEPHEW, If Messrs. Perkins and Marvin choose to run the risk of such a publication as you mention, I do not know as I can reasonably object to it; though, sure enough, I shall be ashamed to see the likeness of my face in the shop windows, as I go from my house to Court street.

As to any introductory notice, or family memoir, I shall leave that to your own good taste, with the reservation that I must see whatever is prepared before it is published. I hardly know what there is, not already known as mine, which it would be worth while to print. There are, however, some reviews, and an address to the Phi Beta Kappa, in 1806, which for a boy I thought pretty good ; but I have not read it since it was delivered. I remember, among other things in it, I urged the necessity of forming agricultural and historical societies, when there were no such things in the State.

Joshua Coffin has looked up some genealogical dates, &c., as you will see by the enclosed letter, which you will please preserve. Major Bohonon sent me a minute of some dates, which might help you, in regard to the gravestones, but I left them in Boston. I think the best way is to send to Mr. Farley whatever is ready, and let him go on with that.

I am glad you are going to take an active part in the settlement of affairs at Boscawen. The faster things are adjusted the better. As to the farm, I would have you, of course, consider what will be best for your wards. It is not essential to sell before my return. I will buy, rather than suffer it to remain as it is, if it be thought best by you to sell it for what I can afford to give. I have no doubt what is for the children's interest, my only hesitation is, as to what I can afford to do myself. The whole farm would yield very little income to me, and yet I feel unwilling to sell it altogether ; I wish you were rich enough to own it. Let me hear from you when you get your letter of guardianship, and as much sooner as you find it convenient.

I am affectionately yours,

DANIEL WEBSTER.