All this spoke to him of the Union and of its priceless blessings.

He now heard its advantages discussed, its perpetuity doubted, its existence threatened.

A convention of slave-holding States had been called, to meet at Nashville, for the purpose of considering the possible separation of the sections.

Mr.Webster felt that a generation had been born who were undervaluing their inheritance, and who might, by temerity, destroy it.

Under motives inspired by these surroundings, he spoke for the preservation of the Union.