MR. WEBSTER, who died on the 24th of October, 1852,
made the following provision in his will, which he
executed a few days before his death:

"I appoint Edward Everett, George Ticknor, Cornelius
Conway Felton, and George Ticknor Curtis, to be my literary
executors; and I direct my son, Fletcher Webster, to seal
up all my letters, manuscripts, and papers, and, at a proper
time, to select those relating to my personal history and my
professional and public life, which, in his judgment, should
be placed at their disposal, and to transfer the same to
them, to be used by them in such manner as they may think
fit. They may receive valuable aid from my friend George
J. Abbott, Esq., now of the State Department."

After the probate of the will, Mr. Fletcher Webster
transferred to the literary executors all the papers which
were supposed to be embraced within the purpose of this
provision; and steps were taken to collect from other sources
whatever else might be in existence which would be impor-
tant to the preparation of a Life of Mr. Webster. The

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