Mr. Webster's Speech in Defence of the Christian Ministry, and in..

1844. One of Webster's Finest Courtroom Speeches Webster, Daniel [1782-1852]. Mr. Webster's Speech in Defence of the Christian Ministry, and in Favor of the Religious Instruction of the Young: Delivered in the Supreme Court of the United States, February 10, 1844: In the Case of Stephen Girard's Will. Washington: Printed by Gales and Seaton, 1844. 60 pp. Octavo (8-3/4" x 5-1/2"; 22.2 x 14.1 cm). Stab-stitched pamphlet in printed wrappers. Light soiling to exterior, light wear to spine ends and corners. "Gift of Dartmouth Coll Lib/ Recd Jan 12/53" to upper-ouside corner of front wrapper in tiny hand. Moderate toning to interior, foxing to title page and a few other leaves. $125. * Only edition. Girard's heirs sued unsuccessfully to overturn Girard's will, which left substantial sums to establish Girard College and other charitable institutions. Webster's speech in this pamphlet defends one of these, a religious institution for children. It is one of Webster's finest courtroom speeches. Cohen, Bibliography of Early American Law 1142.