It was the signal for the last desperate attempt to obtain the Whig nomination for Mr.Webster, and it seemed at first sight as if the party must finally take up the New England leader.
Mr.Clay was wholly out of the race, and his last hour was near.

There was absolutely no one who, in fame, ability, public services, and experience could be compared for one moment with Mr.Webster.The opportunity was obvious enough; it awakened all Mr.Webster's hopes, and excited the ardor of his friends.

A formal and organized movement, such as had never before been made, was set on foot to promote his candidacy, and a vigorous and earnest address to the people was issued by his friends in Massachusetts.
The result demonstrated, if demonstration were needed, that Mr.Webster had not, even under the most favorable circumstances, the remotest chance for the presidency.

His friends saw this plainly enough before the convention met, but he himself regarded the great prize as at last surely within his grasp.

Mr.Choate, who was to lead the Webster delegates, went to Washington the day before the convention assembled.