His most important act as secretary of state was to conclude a treaty with England which fixed the northeastern boundary of the United States.  This treaty is known in history as the Ashburton Treaty.

In 1843, Mr. Webster resigned his place in President Tyler’s cabinet.  But he was not allowed to remain long in private life.  Two years later he was again elected to the United States senate.

About this time, Texas was annexed to the United States.  But Mr. Webster did not favor this, for he believed that such an act was contrary to the Constitution of our country.

He did all that he could to keep our government from making war upon Mexico.  But after this war had been begun, he was a firm friend of the soldiers who took part in it, and he did much to provide for their safety and comfort.

Among these soldiers was Edward, the second son of Daniel Webster.  He became a major in the main division of the army, and died in the City of Mexico.

* * * * *

XIV.—­MR. WEBSTER IN PRIVATE LIFE.

Let us now go back a little way in our story, and learn something about
Mr. Webster’s home and private life.

[Illustration:  The Mansion Marshfield]

[Illustration:  The Library]

[Illustration:  The Tomb]

In 1831, Mr. Webster bought a large farm at Marshfield, in the southeastern part of Massachusetts, not far from the sea.

He spent a great deal of money in improving this farm; and in the end it was as fine a country seat as one might see anywhere in New England.

When he became tired with the many cares of his busy life, Mr. Webster could always find rest and quiet days at Marshfield.  He liked to dress himself as a farmer, and stroll about the fields looking at the cattle and at the growing crops.

“I had rather be here than in the senate,” he would say.

But his life was clouded with many sorrows.  Long before going to Marshfield, his two eldest children were laid in the grave.  Their mother followed them just one year before Mr. Webster’s first entry into the United States senate.

In 1829, his brother Ezekiel died suddenly while speaking in court at Concord.  Ezekiel had never cared much for politics, but as a lawyer in his native state, he had won many honors.  His death came as a great shock to everybody that knew him.  To his brother it brought overwhelming sorrow.

When Daniel Webster was nearly forty-eight years old, he married a second wife.  She was the daughter of a New York merchant, and her name was Caroline Bayard Le Roy.  She did much to lighten the disappointments of his later life, and they lived together happily for more than twenty years.

In 1839, Mr. and Mrs. Webster made a short visit to England.  The fame of the great orator had gone before him, and he was everywhere received with honor.  The greatest men of the time were proud to meet him.