Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 July 1885 — Webster’ audience of two. [ARTICLE]

Webster’ audience of two.

Here is a new anecdote of Webster, It was told by the late Colonel Munford, who was at one time Secretary of the Virginia Common* wealth, and it has never been published. Colonal Munford was in his office at the State Hones one day when a distinguised 100 king man, accompanied by a young lady, came in hnd asked if they could see the legislatiue chambers. Colonel Munford at once recognized from portraits he had seen, the face of Webster, and, wishing to see as much of the great statesman as possible, offered to accompany him through. the State Hause. The young lady seemed

to be a relative to Webster, and was very bright and piquant in her conversation. There was a constant tire of clever repartee between the two, and when the party reached the Senate Chamber the young lady turned to him, exclaimed: “Now everybody says you a e a great man, and can make a speech without any preparation. I want you to prove it.” As she said this she moved to the rostrum, and took possession of the President’s chair. “The gentleman from Massachusetts has the floor.” “Webster,” said Colonel Mnnford, relating the incident, “took as if b instinct, the most favorable position in the the room, so that his voice could best be heard, and for ten or fifteen minutes he spoke with an eloquence I have never heard equaled. v«e referred to Virginia’s past, and alluding especial y to her distinguished sons, he pointed out their portraits that hung the walls, and deocribe t their traits in the most 1 eautiful language imaginable.” Colonel Munford frequently Hfid his friends that it was thr best speech he ever listened to.