A Visit to Daniel Webster in 1836

A VISIT TO DANIEL WEBSTER IN 1836.49 A VISIT TO DANIEL WEBSTER IN 1836.1 BY JOSEPH FOULKE. " The evening before we left Washington, by the kind attention of Dr. Sewel[?], we had a private interview with Daniel Webster at the doctor's house in company with his private family. Joseph Parrish opened to him very clearly and graphically, the nature and object of our mission to Washington. He enquired of Daniel (calling him by his proper name in a kind and dignified manner) what was the reason that Slavery was so sore a subject that it must not be touched or meddled with at all in Congress . Daniel replied, " That it would have to be touched and be handled without gloves before long in Congress." He gave us a reason that it had been proclaimed by a member from South Carolina on the floor of the United States Senate a few years ago when this soreness was not so much felt, and when members could speak their minds without fear of their popularity, " That Slavery was the darkest stain, and foulest blot on the United States Government, that Religion was against Slavery, that morality was against it, that sound policy was against it, that public sentiment (fairly understood) was against it, and now (though it was not for him to judge why that member was for supporting the discussion in Congress) Slavery is as great and mighty an evil as ever. And those mighty and tremendous agents were constantly pressing against it, and that its downfall was certain. For great as the monster may be it cannot and will not stand before such an array of power." It was remarked that it was very gratifying to us to hear those views entertained so in accordance with the doctrines inculcated by the wisest and best of men. He answered that he had clearly seen the last ten years the impolicy of Slavery, and the rapid march of those agents mentioned against it, but he expressed some doubt about Congress having much honor in its final 1 From " Some Account of the Life and Experiences of Joseph Foulke." Mss., pp. 100-102. 50BULLETIN OF FRIENDS' HISTORICAL SOCIETY. overthrow ; for, said he, " The only peaceable way to overcome it is upon the principles expressed in your excellent memorial which was read to-day. But when I reflect that retributive justice may take place I am made to tremble." And his whole frame shook ; but on reflecting a moment, he said, "A member from Louisiana told me the other day, as we were walking to the Capitol, that a few more white frosts would abolish Slavery in Louisiana without Congress having any honor in the premises." He then observed " That there was a great deal of difference between a Pennsylvania farmer (we were all Pennsylvanians) and a Louisiana Planter. That the farmers were virtually the bone and sinews of government, that they were beholden to nothing but Providence and their own industry for the support of themselves and families, that from the proceeds of their labor they maintained themselves, and the surplus they take to market; if they get a good price, very well, if not they were not materially affected, for they are careful to reserve enough for their own wants, and they have only to retrench their expenditures in the mere conveniences and superfluities of life out of their surplus, neither of which are absolutely necessary. But not so with the Louisiana Planter who has nothing to depend upon but his slaves and his crop. For the necessaries of life for himself, his family, and his slaves, he is dependent upon the North, the East, and the West. Take away his crop by a frost or a blight or anything else, and he is in a dilemma. He has no dependence, his slaves especially, are an incalculable burden to him. Hence it was that the richest planters were ruined." He concluded his remarks prophetically by observing that the mighty master of Slavery was tottering under the immense pressure of agents that are very much out of the control of men. AN ANECDOTE OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. [Thomas Shillitoe (1754-1836) was...