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 808658

Webster Mss 808658

Date(s): 1808-12-08

Scope and Contents

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

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 832212

Webster Mss 832212

Date(s): 1832-03-12

Abstract

Letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, D.C., to Henry Willis Kinsman, a law partner, about travel dates and financial concerns.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 808576

Webster Mss 808576

Date(s): 1808-10-26

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster to Stephen Moody of Gilmanton, New Hampshire, concerning a dispute with Colonel [Samuel Greely] and [Oliver] Crosby.

Daniel Webster Letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 832201

Webster Mss 832201

Date(s): 1832-03-01

Abstract

Referring to his Character of Washington speech at a public dinner on 22 Feb. 1832, Webster asks to have the speech be printed.

Daniel Webster Letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851121.1

Webster Mss 851121.1

Date(s): 1851-01-21

Abstract

Tells him the Baldwins (apples?) decayed for want of air.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 852155

Webster Mss 852155

Date(s): 1852-02-05

Abstract

Letter to Thomas Ward at Baring Brothers concerning US debt payment to Mexico. Webster understands that Congress has not appropriated the funds to pay the final installment under the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, but relays that President Fillmore wants to avoid embarrassment to the Government should it not be paid.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 851305.2

Webster Mss 851305.2

Date(s): 1851-05-05

Abstract

Letter to diplomatic courier Augustus N. Leroy instructing him to proceed to Mexico City and deliver dispatches to the American Chargé d'affairs and to Mexican President Arista.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 838622

Webster Mss 838622

Date(s): 1838-11-22

Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Daniel Webster in Boston, Massachusetts to Daniel Moore Bates et al., acknowledging and declining an invitation to address the Literary Societies of Dickinson College. Includes typewritten copy. (Photocopy)

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 839259

Webster Mss 839259

Date(s): 1839-04-09

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 839279.1

Webster Mss 839279.1

Date(s): 1839-04-29

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 839301

Webster Mss 839301

Date(s): 1839-05-01

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 839359

Webster Mss 839359

Date(s): 1839-06-09

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 839615

Webster Mss 839615

Date(s): 1839-11-15

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840105.1

Webster Mss 840105.1

Date(s): 1840-01-05

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840115

Webster Mss 840115

Date(s): 1840-01-15

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840123

Webster Mss 840123

Date(s): 1840-01-23

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840252

Webster Mss 840252

Date(s): 1840-04-02

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840263

Webster Mss 840263

Date(s): 1840-04-13

Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster to J. Barnett written during the presidential election year of 1840, in which Webster predicts election results in New York.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840358

Webster Mss 840358

Date(s): 1840-06-08

Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

Item 1

Identifier: Mss 840606

Webster Mss 840606

Date(s): 1840-11-06

Abstract

In English.