[Nathan Weston, American Judge; Daniel Webster, American lawyer and statesman] Substantial Autograph Letter Signed Nathan Weston to Daniel Webster

Two pages, 4to, fragile, minor damage to edges, closed tears on folds, aged, text clear and complete, formerly a bifolium but leaves separate, second leaf blank except for docketing. Text as follows: Upon the receipt of certain information from Washington, I wish to say to you alone that I have done, and am doing, much to soften the matter in respect to the late treaty [see Note A.]. But I am so circumstanced, that I desire that this suggestion should be regarded as stricytly confidential [underlined phrase]. | In asking you to interpose for my son, I ask nothing, but what I would myself do under a reverse of circumstances. He has been more sinned against than sinning, is free from vice, and having now sown his wild oats, would undoubtedly make a fine officer. Mr Upshaw told Mr Williams he was willing to try him again, but he has become altogether opinionated upon a legal difficulty, arising from a supposed want of power in the President, under a late law, limiting the number of officers in the Navy. I do not think he can be persuaded out of this, but the President is at liberty to put his own construction, which I have been told is the other way, without giving Mr Upshaw any right to be offended. Nothing is clearer to my mind, than that the restoration [underlined] of my son, who was appointed in 1837, is not bringing a new [underlined] into the Navy. The President can act in the case of a midshipman, without referring the matter to the Senate. I ask your assistance in a matter very near my heart, and I would appeal to all the sympathies, which I trust did exist between us, from former friendship and acquaintance. Top of first page Private - file in another hand, possibly Webster himself (see Image}. Docketed (See Image) on page 4 Private [underlined] Nathan Weston | 29 Febry 1843. Notes: A. 1842 , Webster, Ashburton Treaty ended the Aroostook War and settles boundary disputes between the U.S. and Canada