Tougher than the Devil

Daniel Webster

Daniel Webster

“If two New Hampshiremen aren’t a match for the Devil, we might as well give the country back to the Indians.’’

Stephen Vincent Benet (1898-1943), in his short story “The Devil and Daniel Webster’’. The tale centers on a New Hampshire farmer who sells his soul to the Devil and is defended by Daniel Webster (1782-1852), a fictional version of the 19th Century American statesman, lawyer and orator.

Mr, Benet’s gravestone in the Evergreen Cemetery in Stonington. Conn.

Mr, Benet’s gravestone in the Evergreen Cemetery in Stonington. Conn.