Daniel Webster

*Includes pictures *Includes excerpts of Webster's speeches *Includes a bibliography for further reading "When my eyes shall be turned to behold for the last time the sun in heaven, may I not see him shining on the broken and dishonored fragments of a once glorious Union; on States dissevered, discordant, belligerent; on a land rent with civil feuds, or drenched, it may be, in fraternal blood Let their last feeble and lingering glance rather behold the gorgeous ensign of the republic... not a stripe erased or polluted, nor a single star obscured, bearing for its motto, no such miserable interrogatory as 'What is all this worth?' nor those other words of delusion and folly, 'Liberty first and Union afterwards'; but everywhere, spread all over in characters of living light, blazing on all its ample folds, as they float over the sea and over the land, and in every wind under the whole heavens, that other sentiment, dear to every true American heart, - Liberty and Union, now and for ever, one and inseparable " - Daniel Webster In a modern era that Americans often view wearily as being too partisan, elections often bring the same questions. Many look back nostalgically to earlier centuries in which it's assumed America had great statesmen, which is understandable in light of increasingly hostile political rhetoric that seems to be more aimed at dividing the country than uniting it. Of course, more serious historians analyze whether these elusive statesmen actually ever existed, and whether there was truly a time when politicians didn't engage in political rancor. It is impossible for any person, politician or not, to be completely pure of heart, but Daniel Webster certainly showed again and again throughout his career that he considered certain principles worth sacrificing nearly everything for. Throughout his life, Webster felt he had to live up to the highest ideals of patriotic loyalty to America's earliest founders. He also stated again and again that the United States Constitution, and the nation that it governed, had to stand, no matter what else might fall for its sake. During his lifetime, he demonstrated that he would make any sacrifice to preserve both, and in so doing, he was instrumental in helping to delay the American Civil War. Today Webster may be best known for being one of the greatest orators in American history, a reputation he earned as one of the young country's greatest lawyers, and even as a pop culture fixture thanks to works like "The Devil and Daniel Webster." But Webster also served in nearly every capacity in government but as president, from being Secretary of State to being a Congressman and Senator for decades. He was recognized as one of the country's 5 greatest Senators, thanks to his work on landmark legislation like the Compromise of 1850, which staved off the Civil War for possibly a decade (and ensured Webster wouldn't live long enough to see it actually take place). Like most men who do great things, Webster was both loved and hated during his lifetime, sometimes by the same people. However, the one thing no one could ever deny was his fiery way with words. In fact, to this day, his quotes turn up in everything from college term papers to political speeches. A countless number of others lived during his day, and hundreds served with him in various capacities in government, only to be forgotten, but Webster, by his words and deeds, secured himself a place in the great pantheon of political thought that may very well last until the end of time. Daniel Webster: The Life and Legacy of One of America's Most Famous Senators and Orators examines one of 19th century America's most influential figures. Along with pictures and a bibliography, you will learn about Daniel Webster like never before.