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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 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 2064 Collections and/or Records:

Timothy Pitkin letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 833124
Webster Mss 833124
Date(s): 1833-01-24
Abstract

In English.

Timothy Upham letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 824168.1
Webster Mss 824168.1
Date(s): 1824-02-18
Abstract

In English.

Tippecanoe Inauguration Ball invitation

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 841204
Webster Mss 841204
Date(s): 1841-03-04
Abstract

In English.

To a Number of Friends at West Dennis, Mass. Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 851404.1
Webster Mss 851404.1
Date(s): 1851-07-04
Abstract

Webster writes to William Gooch, et al. at West Dennis, MA concerning Cape Cod, its patriotic citizenry, connection to the sea, and standard of living.

To Gales and Seaton, Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 823273
Webster Mss 823273
Date(s): 1823-04-23
Abstract

Webster writes to publisher Gales and Seaton contesting their assertion that he was optimistic about a lawsuit concerning the National Lottery. Webster claims he knows nothing about the suit.

To Genl. Sumner, Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 850626
Webster Mss 850626
Date(s): 1850-11-26
Abstract

Courtesy note from the Secretary of State Webster, will not attend the Presidents' Reception.

To Richard Blatchford [New York], Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 849154
Webster Mss 849154
Date(s): 1849-02-04
Abstract

Webster makes some introspective remarks and reminisces about orators and conversationalists he has met, including Madison and Adams. Additionally, he voices concern over President Elect Taylor's preparation.

To Richard M. Blatchford [New York], Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 850504.1
Webster Mss 850504.1
Date(s): 1850-09-04
Abstract

Webster writes on the topic of the Compromise of 1850 and whether the "Whigs of the North" will take advantage.

To Richard M. Blatchford [New York], Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 852474
Webster Mss 852474
Date(s): 1852-08-24
Abstract

Webster jokes whether an article on the fisheries should be his finale.

Tobias Watkins letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 826501
Webster Mss 826501
Date(s): 1826-09-01
Abstract

In English.

Treaty of Washington

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 852459
Webster Mss 852459
Date(s): 1842-08-09
Abstract

In English.

Tristam Burges letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 836218
Webster Mss 836218
Date(s): 1836-03-18
Abstract

In English.

Truman Smith letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 850455
Webster Mss 850455
Date(s): 1850-08-05
Abstract

In English.

Unidentified sender to Daniel Webster

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 840490
Webster Mss 840490
Date(s): 1840-08
Abstract

In English.

United States Congress, Senate memorial

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 837562
Webster Mss 837562
Date(s): 1837-10-12
Abstract

In English.

US President James Madison letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 833215.1
Webster Mss 833215.1
Date(s): 1833-03-15
Abstract

In English.

US President John Quincy Adams letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 835525.1
Webster Mss 835525.1
Date(s): 1835-09-25
Abstract

In English.

US President John Tyler letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 841212
Webster Mss 841212
Date(s): 1841-03-12
Abstract

In English.

US President John Tyler letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 843190
Webster Mss 843190
Date(s): 1843-02
Abstract

In English.

Utica [N.Y.] to Mr. Watson, Letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 851327.1
Webster Mss 851327.1
Date(s): 1851-05-27
Abstract

Requests a copy of "The Star" be sent to him in Washington.

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