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 opened a law practice in Boscawen, New Hampshire where he stayed until 1807. As a result of his opposition to the War of 1812, Webster was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1813, where he served until 1817. In 1816, he moved to Boston. He was later elected to the United States House of Representatives (1823-1827) and the U.S. Senate (1827-1841 and 1845-1850). As a senator, he was a spokesman for American nationalism whose powerful oratory 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. Webster was highly regarded as a lawyer, having shaped several 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. Webster died October 24, 1852.

Found in 2102 Collections and/or Records:

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851175

Webster Mss 851175

Date(s): 1851-02-25

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851210

Webster Mss 851210

Date(s): 1851-03-10

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851275.1

Webster Mss 851275.1

Date(s): 1851-04-25

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851302

Webster Mss 851302

Date(s): 1851-05-02

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851307

Webster Mss 851307

Date(s): 1851-05-07

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851357.1

Webster Mss 851357.1

Date(s): 1851-06-07

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852169

Webster Mss 852169

Date(s): 1852-02-19

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852227

Webster Mss 852227

Date(s): 1852-03-27

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852260.1

Webster Mss 852260.1

Date(s): 1852-04-10

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852265

Webster Mss 852265

Date(s): 1852-04-15

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852307

Webster Mss 852307

Date(s): 1852-05-07

Scope and Contents

Four-page letter from Daniel Webster in Marshfield to Benjamin Seaver, introducing Christopher Wieting and requests a political appointment for him.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852363

Webster Mss 852363

Date(s): 1852-06-13

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to John Taylor, telling him that he expects to leave soon and that the boat should be thoroughly repaired.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852379

Webster Mss 852379

Date(s): 1852-06-29

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Charles L. Fleischman in Washington with compliments on Fleischmann's work on "the grape vine and its culture." Includes portrait of Webster, engraved by T. Johnson.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852401

Webster Mss 852401

Date(s): 1852-07-01

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster at the Department of State in Washington,DC to Alpheus Felch, telling him that no copy of the "American Harp" has been received by the State Department. (Photocopy)

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852464.2

Webster Mss 852464.2

Date(s): 1852-08-14

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to Hiram Ketchum in New York, requesting any proof he might have that US citizens have occupied the Lobos Islands for years.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852471

Webster Mss 852471

Date(s): 1852-08-21

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to Hiram Ketchum in New York, telling him the the Lobos affair is a great disturbance and that Mr. Jewett misled them. His preparing vessels for private war is unbearable.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852476

Webster Mss 852476

Date(s): 1852-08-26

Scope and Contents

Four-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Burdell Coutts in London with an introduction of Mr. Joseph Reed Ingersoll, minister to the court.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852507

Webster Mss 852507

Date(s): 1852-09-07

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to George S. Gideon and Company with a promise to pay for value received.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852517

Webster Mss 852517

Date(s): 1852-09-17

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, telling him that he is strong and has been out walking.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852551

Webster Mss 852551

Date(s): 1852-10-01

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Daniel Webster in Marshsfield to Henry Fairbanks, regretting that he is unable to address the United Literary Societies of Dartmouth College at their next anniversary.