Author BackgroundDaniel Webster is considered one of the greatest orators in the history of the United States Senate. In fact, his “Reply to Hayne” speech is considered the most eloquent speech ever given to Congress. Daniel was a senator from Massachusetts and a prominent figure among Northerners. Throughout his life, he was a member of three different parties: Adams, Anti-Jacksonian, and Whig. This speech was widely considered contrary to the ideals of the Whig Party and after giving it, Daniel Webster was never again fully trusted by his party (24 cancellations). Historical Background The speech “A Plea for Harmony and Peace” was delivered in 1850. Its content addresses issues that would eventually cause civil war. One of the main questions raised is what to do with runaway slaves. The country was divided into three groups on this point. The North wanted to stop any expansion of slavery, the South wanted to at least retain its slavery and, at most, expand slavery to new states and territories. Finally, a third group insisted on the need for compromise between states. Daniel argues that fugitive slaves should be returned in accordance with the Supreme Court's orders. Another topic raised in his speech is the possibility of secession. The fact that he mentions secession tells us that this idea was on the minds of some at least as early as 1850. However, the compromise, namely the Compromise of 1850, was also on people's minds and this very speech supported. " was presented to the Senate on March 7, three days after Senator John C. Calhoun delivered his speech titled "Clay's Compromise Measures." In his speech, Calhoun insists that the cause of the dissent between the North...... middle of paper ...... supporters of the promised support for the presidency. Shortly after this speech, Webster left the Senate and finished his career as Secretary of State. Final Review Works Cited Webster, Daniel. “A plea for harmony and peace.” Annals of America. United States: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., 1968. 24-27. Print0The Works of Daniel Webster by Daniel Webster; The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster by Daniel Webster; Fletcher Webster; Life and Memories of Daniel Webster by Daniel Webster; The Private Life of Daniel Webster by Charles LanmanThe North American Review, Vol. 104, no. 214 (January 1867), pp. 65-121http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=2&psid=3276Irving H. Bartlett, Daniel Webster (1978) http://www.nationalcenter.org/CalhounClayCompromise.html http://www .senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Speech_Costs_Senator_His_Seat.htm