Daniel Webster to James William Paige discussing John Randolph's challenge of a duel - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC01946.03
From Archive Folder	Collection of letters written by and to Daniel Webster
Title	Daniel Webster to James William Paige discussing John Randolph's challenge of a duel
Date	1825
Author	Webster, Daniel (1782-1852)
Recipient	Paige, James William
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	States that a rumor is circulating regarding Virginia Congressman John Randolph's challenge to duel Webster. Instructs his brother-in-law Paige to alleviate his wife Grace's concern if Randolph's challenge is printed in the newspapers. Assures Paige of his safety, stating "There is not a gentleman in Washington whose bones are all safer in his skin than mine are." Hopes Paige can send him a letter from Randolph dated 1816 or 1817, possibly Randolph's first challenge to duel Webster. Marked copied and private. Year added in pencil at a later date.
Subjects	Politics Duel Congress Women's History Journalism
People	Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Paige, James William (fl. 1824-1852) Randolph, John (1773-1833) Webster, Grace Fletcher (1781-1828)
Theme	Women in American History; Arts & Literature; Government & Politics
Sub-collection	The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information	Webster served as Massachusetts Representative (1823-1828). In 1817, while Webster served as New Hampshire Representative, Virginia Representative John Randolph had challenged Webster to a duel regarding a conflict about a sugar tariff Webster hoped to pass. Webster refused the challenge but a relationship of political disagreement persisted between the two men.
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Copied Private 1825 Tuesday Eve Dr. William, There has been a silly rumor running about here today, of Mr. Randolph having sent me a challenge, about that old business of the last session. If it should get into the newspapers, have the goodness to take care that Mrs W. be not alarmed of it. - It is all stuff - There is not a gentleman in Washington whose bones are all safer in his skin than mine are - I should not have thought of writing you this, but a friend has suggested that it might be well - as very idle rumors [2] now a days gets into the newspapers - I need not assure you that I should commit no folly - on such a subject. As to a duel with Mr Randolph in his present State, at least, no one thinks its possible. I would not have anything said about this, to anyone, unless you see some rumors in the papers- If so, say [struck: more] [inserted: nothing] about it; [struck: than to] [inserted: but] show Mrs W. this. I am aware that even so much is not necessary - for she does not think me quite a fool - Yours D. W. (over) [3] Among my papers, in my Drawer, in the Study, is a letter written to me by Mr. Randolph, about 1816 - or 1817 - It still remains in letter form - superscribed in a clean neat hand - signed, I think, John Randolph [text losst] Roanoke - I wish you would just step up, by yourself, find that letter, & send it in due time by the next mail. - [address leaf] Danl . Webster H.R. James W. Paige Esq Boston [docket] D. Webster R. P. e. about Jno Randolph Private

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