He acted then without delay.

Going at once to Salisbury, he broke the news of his unlooked-for determination to his father, who was utterly amazed.

Pride in his son's high spirit mingled somewhat with disappointment at the prospect of continued hardships; but the brave old man accepted the decision with the Puritan stoicism which was so marked a trait in his character, and the matter ended there.
Returning to Boston, Mr.Webster was admitted to the bar in March, 1805.
Mr.Gore moved his admission, and, in the customary speech, prophesied his student's future eminence with a sure knowledge of the latent powers which had dictated his own advice in the matter of the clerkship.

Soon after this, Mr.Webster returned to New Hampshire and opened his office in the little town of Boscawen, in order that he might be near his father.

Here he devoted himself assiduously to business and study for more than two years, working at his profession, and occasionally writing articles for the "Boston Anthology." During this time he made his first appearance in court, his father being on the bench.