Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852
Dates
- Existence: 1782 - 1852
Biography
Daniel Webster was born on January 18, 1872 in Salisbury, New Hampshire. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1801, after which he began the study of law under Thomas W. Thompson and Christopher Gore. In 1805, he opens a law practice in Boscawen, New Hampshire where he stayed there until 1807. As a result of his opposition to the War of 1812, Webster is elected to the New Hampshire House of Representative in 1813 where he served until 1817. In 1816, he moves to Boston and is elected to the Massachusetts House of Representative (1823-1827) and the Senate (1827-1841 and 1845-1850). As a senator, he was a spokesman for American nationalism with powerful oratory that made him a key Whig leader. He spoke for conservatives and led the opposition to Democrat Andrew Jackson and his Democratic Party, firmly challenging Jackson's policies in the Bank War. From 1841 to 1843 and 1850 to 1852, Webster served as the United States Secretary of State. As a diplomat, he is best known for negotiating the Webster–Ashburton Treaty of 1842 with Great Britain which established the Canada–United States border east of the Rocky Mountains. As a lawyer, Webster was highly regarded in the courtroom, shaping several key US Supreme Court cases that established important constitutional precedents and bolstered the authority of the federal government. One of the cases he argued was the Dartmouth College case in 1819. The case arose when the president of Dartmouth College was deposed by its trustees, leading to the New Hampshire legislature attempting to force the college to become a public institution and thereby place the ability to appoint trustees in the hands of the governor of New Hampshire. The Supreme Court upheld the sanctity of the original charter of the college, which pre-dated the creation of the State. The landmark case is considered one of the most important in United States history as it affirmed that the Constitution's contract clause protected private corporations from government interference. Webster died October 24, 1852.
Found in 2093 Collections and/or Records:
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) to Gentlemen, declining an invitation to attend a mass meeting of the Whigs of Georgia and enclosing a toast to sound Whig principles. Bound with Webster's 7th of March speech" codex 003441.
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) to Gentlemen, sending his best wishes for a Whig Rally and includes a toast written by him. Bound with Webster's "7th of March speech," codex 003441
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster to Gentlemen, declining an invitation to be present at a meeting of the Whigs of Indiana and Ohio. Bound with Webster's "7th of March speech," codex 003441.
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) to William P. Gardiner regarding the East Boston Iron Co. not making any new proposition to the Water Power Co. but will consider any proposition made by it. Bound with Webster's "7th of March speech," codex 003441.
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) to Thomas Aspinwall (1786-1876), introducing Mr. and Mrs. Edward Curtis. Bound with Webster's "7th of March speech," codex 003441.
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) to William Plumer Jr. (1789-1854) with reminiscences of Plumer's father. Bound with Webster's "7th of March speech," codex 003441.
Daniel Webster letter
Letter from Daniel Webster (1782-1852) to Thomas Aspinwall (1786-1876), acknowledging receipt of the account of disbursements of Aspinwall's consulate and authorizing him to draw upon the department for his quarterly account. Bound with Webster's "7th of March speech," codex 003441.
Daniel Webster letter
Regarding Col. Samuel Greeley's campaign and the up coming election in New Hampshire against John Sheperd. Discussion of a campaign pamphlet, probably Considerations on the Embargo Laws.
Daniel Webster letter
Webster to Bingham regarding having to delay his study of law, to help his brother Ezekiel remaining in college. Describes Matthew Taylors marriage and discusses shared acquaintances.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.
Daniel Webster letter
In English.