He had no right to do so after he had sought a nomination from the Whigs, and it was a breach of faith to act as he did, to advise his friends to desert a falling party and vote for the Democratic candidate.
After the acceptance of the Department of State, Mr.Webster's health became seriously impaired.

His exertions in advocating the compromise measures, his official labors, and the increased severity of his annual hay-fever,--all contributed to debilitate him.

His iron constitution weakened in various ways, and especially by frequent periods of intense mental exertion, to which were superadded the excitement and nervous strain inseparable from his career, was beginning to give way.

Slowly but surely he lost ground.

His spirits began to lose their elasticity, and he rarely spoke without a tinge of deep sadness being apparent in all he said.