Article December 29, 1898 Issue

HE HIRED WEBSTER FOR A WEEK

with contributions from Clara C. Duer

Of course Webster was in demand by those who could afford to pay for his services, says the Boston Herald. A sharp Nantucket man is said to have got the better of the great defender of the Constitution in an amusing way, however.

He had a small case which was to be tried at Nantucket one week in June, and he posted to Webster's office in great haste. It was a contest with a neighbor over a matter of considerable local interest, and his pride as a litigant was at stake. He told Webster the particulars, and asked what he would charge to conduct the case. "Why," said Webster, "you can't afford to hire me. I should have to stay down there the whole week, and my fee would be more than the whole case is worth. I couldn't go down there for less than a thousand dollars. I could try every case on the docket as well as one, and it wouldn't cost any more, for one case would take my time for the entire week, anyway, for I'd have to be on hand."

"All right, then, Mr. Webster," quickly responded the Nantucketer. "Here's your thousand dollars. You come down, and I'll fix it so you can try every case."

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