“We think a crisis is upon us; and we would gladly know how we may best discharge our duties as true Americans, honest men, and good Whigs.  To you, who have been so long in public life, and are able from your great experience and unrivalled ability to give us information and advice, and upon whom, as neighbors and friends, we think we have some claims, we naturally look, and we should be exceedingly gratified if, in any way, public or private, you would express your opinion upon interesting public questions now pending, with that boldness and distinctness with which you are accustomed to declare your sentiments.  If you can concur with our wishes, please signify to us in what manner it would be most agreeable to you that they should be carried into effect.

“With very great regard, your obedient servants,

“DANIEL PHILLIPS,
GEORGE LEONARD,
GEO. H. WETHERBEE,
and many others.”

To this invitation Mr. Webster returned the following reply:—­

“Marshfield, Aug. 3, 1848.

“GENTLEMEN,—­I have received your letter.  The critical state of things at Washington obliges me to think it my duty to repair thither immediately and take my seat in the Senate, notwithstanding the state of my health and the heat of the weather render it disagreeable for me to leave home.

“I cannot, therefore, comply with your wishes at present; but on my return, if such should continue to be your desire, I will meet you and the other Whigs of Marshfield, in an unceremonious manner, that we may confer upon the topics to which your letter relates.

“I am, Gentlemen, with esteem and friendship,

“Your obliged fellow-citizen,

“DANIEL WEBSTER.

“To Messrs. DANIEL PHILLIPS, GEORGE LEONARD, GEO. H. WETHERBEE, and others.”

Soon after Mr. Webster’s return from Washington, it was arranged that the meeting should take place at the “Winslow House,” the ancient seat of the Winslow family, now forming a part of Mr. Webster’s farm at Marshfield, on Friday, the first day of September.]

Although it is not my purpose, during the present recess of Congress, frequently to address public assemblies on political subjects, I have felt it my duty to comply with your request, as neighbors and townsmen, and to meet you to-day; and I am not unwilling to avail myself of this occasion to signify to the people of the United States my opinions upon the present state of our public affairs.  I shall perform that duty, certainly with great frankness, I hope with candor.  It is not my intention to-day to endeavor to carry any point, to act as any man’s advocate, to put up or put down anybody.  I wish, and I propose, to address you in the language and in the spirit of conference and consultation.  In the present extraordinary crisis of our public concerns, I desire to hold no man’s conscience but my own.  My own opinions I shall communicate, freely and fearlessly, with equal disregard to consequences, whether they respect myself or respect others.