Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, April 29, 1851

[Washington.] Tuesday morning, eight o'clock. April 29, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR,—We were glad to learn that Ellen Fletcher found shelter under your hospitable roof. My telegraphic message to Boston seems to have miscarried. In two hours, I presume, we shall hear something from her.

The point of rendezvous for these Cuban patriots is now said to be Savannah. Men and arms are collecting there. They must be quick. If they are not out of the river in twenty-four hours from this time, they will not get out at all. If they should get out, they will be followed.

It is a beautiful morning. I have walked through the market, where I saw fine lamb, asparagus plenty and cheap, cucumbers, all sorts of green things, young chickens, &c., to say nothing of shad right out of the river, at twenty-five cents a pair.

This place lies south of Marshfield.

Yours,

D. W.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, p. 436-7

Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, April 30, 1851—2:30 p.m.

[April 30.] Wednesday, half-past two o'clock.

MY DEAR SIR,—I have yours of yesterday, and am most happy to hear your cold is better. We shall be happy to see Ellen.

We have bad weather, and I am just closing up a long day's work.

The Cuban expedition will all blow out, North and South. Those engaged in it are a set of geese.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, p. 437