The tone of hostility in the following letter from Benton is not explained, so far as I know, by any occurrence which history has preserved. If it implied a threat of a challenge, undoubtedly Mr. Webster bore himself on the occasion as became a Senator from Massachusetts, as he did in dealing with the fiery-hearted John Randolph, and as Henry Wilson afterward did in dealing with Preston S. Brooks: "SENATE CHAMBER, Jan'y 4th 1832. "SIR,—I take leave to invite your attention to a published letter which Col. Davis will show you, and to say, that he will receive the answer, if any, which you may think the occasion calls for. "Yr. obt. servant "THOMAS H. BENTON. "HON. MR. WEBSTER." * * * * * Among the books in my possession belonging to Daniel Webster is a copy of Granger's Biographical Dictionary, in three volumes. It contains Mr. Webster's book-plate, with the motto, "Vera Pro Gratis." On the fly-leaf Mr. Webster has written: "Mr. Granger died, April 15, 1776, while administering the sacrament, of an apoplectic fit. More happy end what saint e'er knew! To whom like mercy shown! His Saviour's death in rapturous view, And unperceived his own. _Vide_ Annual Register for 1776. D. W." The poetry is not original, but is taken from the "Register." Mr. Webster's scrupulous care of his dress is well known. On each of the occasions I saw him, his dress—which, as is well known, was the blue coat with the buff or white vest and brass buttons, and, at least on one occasion in the summer, white trousers—seemed to have been nearly new. I was told by a lady who heard the eulogy on Adams and Jefferson in 1826, in Faneuil Hall that on that occasion he wore a gown. * * * * *