He spurned the proposition as a personal indignity, and, disapproving always of the selection of military men for the presidency, openly refused to give his assent to Taylor's nomination.

Other trials, however, were still in store for him.
Mr.Clay was a candidate for the nomination, and many Whigs, feeling that his success meant another party defeat, turned to Taylor as the only instrument to prevent this danger.

In February, 1848, a call was issued in New York for a public meeting to advance General Taylor's candidacy, which was signed by many of Mr.Webster's personal and political friends.

Mr.
Webster was surprised and grieved, and bitterly resented this action.

His biographer, Mr.Curtis, speaks of it as a blunder which rendered Mr.
Webster's nomination hopeless.