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

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836160

Webster Mss 836160

Date(s): 1836-02-10

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836-02-11

Webster Mss 836-02-11

Date(s): 1836-02-11

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836173.1

Webster Mss 836173.1

Date(s): 1836-02-23

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836203

Webster Mss 836203

Date(s): 1836-03-03

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836206

Webster Mss 836206

Date(s): 1836-03-06

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836207

Webster Mss 836207

Date(s): 1836-03-07

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836427.3

Webster Mss 836427.3

Date(s): 1836-07-27

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836454

Webster Mss 836454

Date(s): 1836-08-04

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836660

Webster Mss 836660

Date(s): 1836-12-10

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836668

Webster Mss 836668

Date(s): 1836-12-18

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 836673

Webster Mss 836673

Date(s): 1836-12-23

Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to Edward Curtis in which he reminds Curtis that acceptance of his debt falls due shortly and asks him to send money to his partner, Kinsman. Senate has broken up Woodbury's order (known as the Specie Circular). "Mr. Rives amendment was not a mode of avoiding what seemed censure on the President."

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 837106

Webster Mss 837106

Date(s): 1837-01-06

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 837277

Webster Mss 837277

Date(s): 1837-04-27

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 837306

Webster Mss 837306

Date(s): 1837-05-06

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 823274

Webster Mss 823274

Date(s): 1823-04-23

Content Description

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Boston to former United States senator from New Hampshire and owner of three ships referred to in the letter, James Sheafe. The letter concerns legal assistance and strategy in the case of three ships owned by Sheafe-- the Apollo, the Charlotte Murdock, and the Juno--regarding unpaid claims of citizens of the United States against Spain and France for spoliations. Written shortly before Webster was elected to Congress for a second time.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 837604

Webster Mss 837604

Date(s): 1837-11-04

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 837678.1

Webster Mss 837678.1

Date(s): 1837-12-28

Content Description

Letter from Daniel Webster to Mr. Lewis J. Cist, in Cincinnati, Ohio, telling him that he has the pleasure to comply with this autograph collector's request.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 838129

Webster Mss 838129

Date(s): 1838-01-29

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 838157

Webster Mss 838157

Date(s): 1838-02-07

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 838160

Webster Mss 838160

Date(s): 1838-02-10

Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to Mr. Ketchum in which he speaks of many politicians, both friends and foes. Charles H. Russell can keep Rhode Island in its place. Mr. C. may fall back on General H.