To the day of his death he showed his deep affection for the flag, the emblem of that Union which had inspired his noblest efforts. During the last few weeks of his life, troubled much with sleeplessness, he used to watch the stars, and while thus occupied his eyes would often fall upon a small boat of his which floated in plain view of his window. On this boat he had a ship lantern so placed that in the darkness he could see the Stars and Stripes flying there. The flag was raised at six in the evening and kept flying until six in the morning to the day of Daniel Webster's death, which took place in September, 1852. On looking at the dead face a stranger said: "Daniel Webster, the world without you will be lonesome."
Although we need not be blind to his faults, we may indeed count him among the greatest of Americans. For he did much to make the Union strong. He filled many high positions and had a wonderful influence in all the affairs of the nation.
REVIEW OUTLINE
Young Webster's fondness for hunting and fishing.
Thrilling tales of adventures.
Daniel's reading habits; his rich, musical voice.
Webster in college.
Daniel Webster as a lawyer.
His noble ideas of the union.
Senator Hayne's masterly speech.
Daniel Webster's overwhelming victory for the union.
His striking personal appearance.
His devotion to the flag of his country.
TO THE PUPIL
1. What do the following topics suggest to you concerning the boyhood experiences of Daniel Webster; Daniel and the old English soldier and sailor; Daniel's reading habits; his power as a reader; his deficiency in declamation?
2. What was Daniel Webster's idea of the Union? Tell what you can about "Webster's Reply to Hayne."
3. What picture have you of Webster's personal appearance? What is there in Webster's character that you admire?