[7.] P. 346, l. 24. 1. Mr. Webster was living at this time at Marshfield, Massachusetts.
Cf. Curtis's Life of Webster, Chs. XIX.-XXIII.; Lodge's Webster, Ch. VII.; Works of Daniel Webster, Vols. III., IV.; Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. II., p. 83.
Mr. Justice Story
September, 1845.
Of the many friends of Webster during his long political career, there was no one more constant in his attentions, more sympathetic in his judgments, or more helpful in his counsels than was Mr. Justice Story. Ever since they had acted together in the Massachusetts Convention in 1820 they had maintained for each other's character and attainments the most generous and cordial enthusiasm. The death of Mr. Story on the 10th of September, 1845, was a great affliction to Mr. Webster, and cast a gloom over his Marshfield home, where they had passed so many delightful hours together.
At a meeting of the Suffolk Bar held in the Circuit Court Room, on the morning of the 12th of September, the day of the funeral, Chief Justice Shaw having taken the chair and announced the object of the meeting, Mr. Webster pronounced the following noble and beautiful eulogium.
The following letter of dedication to the mother of Judge Story accompanied these remarks in the original edition:--
"Boston, September 15, 1845.
"Venerable Madam,--I pray you to allow me to present to you the brief remarks which I made before the Suffolk Bar, on the 12 instant, at a meeting occasioned by the sudden and afflicting death of your distinguished son. I trust, dear Madam, that as you enjoyed through his whole life constant proofs of his profound respect and ardent filial affection, so you may yet live long to enjoy the remembrance of his virtue and his exalted reputation.
"I am with very great regard, your obedient servant,