Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, September 26, 1851

Marshfield, September 26, 1851. Friday, two P. M.

MY DEAR SIR, — Here I am once more, and here, I assure you, I am most happy to be. After a noisy week of "celebrations," we went to Beverly, and passed a few highly agreeable days with Mr. Haven's family. It is a charming spot, and a most hospitable mansion. You were looked for, and a room kept for you till we left. We came up to Boston yesterday forenoon, and I came to this place early this morning, leaving Mrs. Webster to come down at two o'clock, with Mr. Edward Curtis, who, I hope, arrived at Boston this morning.

At Boston I received your letter, saying you should come to Boston on Tuesday. I pray you come immediately here. Call on Mr. Haven, who, I hope, will accompany you, as I wish to see you and him together.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, p. 473

Daniel Webster to Edward Curtis, Tuesday, two o’clock, 1851

Tuesday, two o’clock, 1851

My Dear Sir,—

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I am glad you think me right in keeping away from New York for the present. I am resolved not to commit either the Government or myself, in any degree, to the extravagant expесtations entertained in regard to what may be done.

When may we look for you? Fletcher left us this morning. Mr. Ashmun has been here for a day, and leaves to-morrow morning. We long to see you and Mrs. Curtis.

You perceive the Kossuth movement was checked a little, in the House of Representatives, yesterday. Probably it will go on to-day.

For two hours I have been reading the Report of the United States officers, who have returned from Utah. I never read so disgusting and terrific accounts of human depravity, and enormities. Governor Young has more than thirty wives! All the money sent to him for territorial purposes, he has given to the Mormon Church! But these things are not the beginning of the story of abominations.

Yours ever,

D. W.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, p. 439