The head of the great banking house of Baring Brothers, he had won his title by service and was, moreover, known to be a friend of the United States.
While in Philadelphia in his youth, he had married Miss Bingham of that city, and she still had American interests.

In the controversies before the War of 1812 Lord Ashburton had supported many of the American contentions.

He knew Webster personally, and they both looked forward to the social pleasure of meeting again during the negotiations.

The two representatives came together in this pleasant frame of mind and did most of their business at the dinner table, where it is reported that more than diplomatic conversation flowed.

They avoided an exchange of notes, which would bind each to a position once taken, but first came to an agreement and then prepared the documents.
It must not be supposed, however, that either Ashburton or Webster sacrificed the claims of his own Government.