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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 2103 Collections and/or Records:

Richard Rush letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 826480
Webster Mss 826480
Date(s): 1826-08-30
Abstract

In English.

Richard Stockton letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 813423
Webster Mss 813423
Date(s): 1813-07-23
Scope and Contents

Two-page letter from Richad Stockton in Princeton to Daniel Webster in Portsmouth, New Hampshire telling him that he does not think the British will venture a landing. Comments unfavorably on Monroe's speech. Speaks of French and British involvement in the War.

Richard V. Gaines letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 850217.1
Webster Mss 850217.1
Date(s): 1850-03-17
Abstract

In English.

Robert Barnwell Rhett letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 841115.3
Webster Mss 841115.3
Date(s): 1841-01-15
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Robert Barnwell Rhett to Daniel Webster, telling him that he is concerned that remarks in Webster's speech at Saratoga are being attributed to him.

Robert Charles Winthrop certification

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 831510
Webster Mss 831510
Date(s): 1831-09-10
Abstract

In English.

Robert Charles Winthrop letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 837165
Webster Mss 837165
Date(s): 1837-02-15
Scope and Contents

Letter from Robert Charles Winthrop in Boston to Daniel Webster, telling him that the enclosed resolutions were adopted with strong deep feelings. Signed by a committee of Whig members of the Massachusetts Legislature which include Charles Hudson Winthrop, Samuel B. Walcott and Osmyn Baker. Enclosure lacking.

Robert Cumming Schenck letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 851176.2
Webster Mss 851176.2
Date(s): 1851-02-26
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Robert Cumming Schenck to Daniel Webster, telling him that he is receiving applications for secretaryship of Brazilian Mission. The verbal assault on Webster was skillfully rebuked. Includes letter dated January 31, 1863 to the President and portrait and biographical sketch of Robert Cumming Schenck.

Robert Field Stockton letters

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 828414
Webster Mss 828414
Date(s): 1828-07-14
Scope and Contents

Two letters from Robert Field Stockton in Princeton to unidentified recipient, "My dear Sir" [i.e. Daniel Webster, Boston] telling him that he hopes Adams' cabinet has adopted liberal and patriotic principles. Mentions the political outlook for Clay, Calhoun and Jackson. Includes two portraits of Robert F. Stockton.

Robert G. Shaw letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 846413
Webster Mss 846413
Date(s): 1846-07-13
Abstract

In English.

Robert Gilchrist letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 830470
Webster Mss 830470
Date(s): 1830-08-20
Abstract

In English.

Robert Gower letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 837414
Webster Mss 837414
Date(s): 1837-07-14
Abstract

In English.

Robert Hanna letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 841105
Webster Mss 841105
Date(s): 1841-01-05
Abstract

In English.

Robert Harris letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 834178
Webster Mss 834178
Date(s): 1834-02-28
Abstract

In English.

Robert Owen letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 836379
Webster Mss 836379
Date(s): 1836-06-29
Abstract

In English.

Robert Perkins Letcher letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 843607
Webster Mss 843607
Date(s): 1843-11-07
Scope and Contents

Seven-page letter from Robert Perkins Letcher in Frankfort, Kentucky to Daniel Webster, telling him that he will keep Webster's letter confidential. Also gives him political advice. Clay has always liked Webster and tried to get him into Harrison's cabinet. Crittendon likes Webster also.

Robert Walsh letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 837112
Mss 837112
Date(s): 1837-01-12
Abstract

In English.

Robert Walsh letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 824469.1
Webster Mss 824469.1
Date(s): 1824-08-19
Abstract

In English.

Robert Wickliffe letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 840122
Webster Mss 840122
Date(s): 1840-01-22
Abstract

In English.

Rufus Choate letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 851368
Webster Mss 851368
Date(s): 1851-06-18
Abstract

Letter from Rufus Choate to Daniel Webster asking Webster to examine the enclosed letters from Asa Andrews (Mss 851257) and Otis P. Lord (Mss 851255).

S. Decatur letter

 Item 1
Identifier: Mss 826307
Webster Mss 826307
Date(s): 1826-05-07
Abstract

In English.

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