Facies non omnibus una
Nec diversa tamen, qualem decet esse sororum.
One bad element of character taints the rest."
This letter to William Sullivan refers to the famous Dartmouth College case, the judgment in which, as the result of Webster's argument, made safe the endowment of every incorporated institution of learning and charity in the country. It was doubtless sent by Mr. Sullivan to Mrs. Webster for her inspection, as appears by the following note written by Sullivan in the margin: "Dear Madam, In a letter which I have seen, it is said, 'In the College cause, Webster shone like the sun; and Holmes like a sunfish.'"
"Washington, March 13, Friday,
2 o'clock.
"Dear Sir,—The Court has announced its intention to rise tomorrow, & will hear no argument except in the cause now before them, which is No. 79.
"The Pastora will not be reached. I am exceedingly sorry for this, but could not help it. I insisted to the last & the Chief Justice was obliged to tell me it was impossible—& then I gave it up.
"The College case is argued—not decided—There is a difference of opinion on the bench, & some of the Judges have not come to a conclusion in their own minds. So it is to be continued. I shall depart, on the rising of the Court, & make the best of my way home.
"Yrs
D. Webster."