specially in history and general English literature,
and thereby laid a good foundation for the splendid education which his
personal energy at last brought him. As a matter of course, such a line
of action must bring out what qualities might be in any man. The college
societies soon sought him as a member.

While at Exeter he could hardly muster courage to speak before his
class, but before he had finished his college course he had delivered
addresses before the societies, which found their way into print. His
diligence soon placed him at the head of his class, a position he
maintained until the close of his college studies, graduating in 1801
with high honors.

Choosing law as his profession, he entered the law office of a friend
and neighbor, Thomas Thompson, who afterwards became a congressman and
eventually a senator. Mr. Webster remained here for some time when he
left the office to become a teacher in Maine at a salary of $350 per
year, which he enlarged somewhat by copying deeds. He afterwards
returned to the office of Mr. Thompson where he remained until 1804,
when he went to Boston and entered the office of Christopher Gove, who
also distinguished himself afterwards as governor of Massachusetts.

He had previously helped his brother Ezekiel to prepare for college, and
Daniel now in turn was helped to continue his law studies as Ezekiel was
teaching. His opportunity to enter the office of Mr. Gove proved most
fortunate, as he was thus enabled to study men, books and daily hear
intelligent discussions on the topics of national interest.

In 1805 he was admitted to the bar, and established himself at Boscawen.
He had been offered the clerkship of the Hillsboro County Court at a
salary of $1,500 a year, which was then a large income, and he was urged
to accept it by his father and other friends, but was dissuaded from so
doing by Mr. Gove, who foresaw great honor in store for him at the bar.
He practiced at Boscawen one year, when he was admitted to practice in
the Superior Court of New Hampshire, and he established himself at
Portsmouth, at that time the capital of the State. Here he rose to
distinction among the most eminent counsellors. During his nine years
residence in Portsmouth he gave his especial attention to constitutional
law, becoming one of the soundest practitioners in the State.

He had inherited from his father the principles of the Federalist party,
and, therefore, advocated them in speeches o