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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 2089 Collections and/or Records:

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814490
Webster Mss 814490
Date(s): 1814-08
Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster in Portsmouth to Ezekiel Webster in Boscawen, telling him that he is going to Gilmanton and then to Boscawen and wants Ezekiel to notify Flanders and Martin to meet him there.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814567.2
Webster Mss 814567.2
Date(s): 1814-10-17
Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster to William Sullivan, discussing the postponement of the political convention of the Federalist Party and Sullivan's opinion of the hopelessness of peace regarding the War of 1812. (Encapsulated in plastic film)

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814570
Mss 814570
Date(s): 1814-10-20
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster to Ezekiel Webster, informing him that at present there is no hope for peace. Writer has heard nothing of the British forces under Lord Hill and has not made up his mind how he will vote on the taxes and asks advice.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814579
Webster Mss 814579
Date(s): 1814-10-29
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Ezekiel Webster to Daniel Webster with his opinion of the taxes under the consideration of Congress.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814672
Mss 814672
Date(s): 1814-12-22
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Ezekiel Webster, telling him that all taxes have been passed except the land tax. The Senate has voted against Giles' Militia Draft Bill. The federal government can not protect the people. They must look to the states.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814681
Webster Mss 814681
Date(s): 1814-12-31
Scope and Contents

Four-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington, DC to Jacob McGraw, telling him of his pleasure in receiving McGraw's letter, reminisces about their year at Fryeburg, describes ruin of federal buildings and the defeat of the conscription bill. (Photocopy)

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814580
Webster Mss 814580
Date(s): 1814-10-30
Scope and Contents

Two-page leter from Daniel Webster to Ezekiel Webster, informing him that he inteds to vote for the whiskey tax only. The Federalists are divided on the question. Opinion on England's offer has changed. There is a plan for conscription.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814608
Webster Mss 814608
Date(s): 1814-11-08
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster to Ezekiel Webster informing him that the House is taking up the Conscription Bill. There has been a goo deal of debating on a Volunteer Bill. If they make a proper Bank Bill, the Federalists will vote for it.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814621
Webster Mss 814621
Date(s): 1814-11-21
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to Ezekiel Webster with an explanation of the Bank Bill. Mr. Mason's speech is published. Writer does not know whether the Conscription Bill is to be brought up. Writer would not be surprised if all of Madison's ministers resigned.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 814629
Webster Mss 814629
Date(s): 1814-11-29
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster in Washington to Ezekiel Webster in Boscawen, informing him that Moses Gerrish's patent is being investigated. Quimby owed writer $ 40. Sue Sanborn if it;s best. The government is in financial straits. The Bank Bill was defeated Writer's opinion of nominating Mason for governor.

[Daniel Webster] letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 800556.1
Webster Mss 800556.1
Date(s): 1800-10-06
Scope and Contents

Letter from [Daniel Webster] of Dartmouth College with an oration on ambition. Endorsed: "For the Fraternity".

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 815109
Mss 815109
Date(s): 1815-01-09
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster to Ezekiel Webster informing him that he is sending Monroe's letter and Gile's Bill. The Bnk Bill has passed the House. Writer hears that the British are near New Orleans. West would make an excellent governor. The taxes are passed but are so great, writer doubts they can be collected. Mr. King is poipular because he moved the postponement of Giles' Bill. Mr. Gore has made a great speech.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 815119.1
Webster Mss 815119.1
Date(s): 1815-01-19
Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster in Washingon, DC to an unknown recipient: " I have written the enclosed in great haste...Nothing certain from Orleans. Mr. Monroe very sick." Enclosure missing.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 815122.1
Webster Mss 815122.1
Date(s): 1815-01-22
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Daniel Webster to Ezekiel Webster, informing hi that there is no news from New Orleans. Dallas gives a horribel account of the treasury. The administration has been defeated badly on the bank scheme. Writer has sent Stockton and Ward's speeches as well as his own.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 801126
Webster Mss 801126
Date(s): 1801-01-26
Scope and Contents

Three page letter from Daniel Webster of Salisbury to Henry Weld Fuller of Dartmouth College friendly letter in verse. Writer's ill health.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 801304
Webster Mss 801304
Date(s): 1801-05-04
Scope and Contents

Letter from Daniel Webster of Dartmouth College with a senior composition, written on the question: "Is deception ever justifiable?"

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 817103
Webster Mss 817103
Date(s): [1817] Jan 03
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 817119.1
Webster Mss 817119.1
Date(s): 1817-01-19
Abstract

In English.

[Daniel Webster] letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 801900.2
Webster Mss 801900.2
Date(s): 1801 to 1803
Abstract

In English.

Daniel Webster letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 815663
Webster Mss 815663
Date(s): 1815-12-13
Abstract

In English.

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