Their political gospel was found in Webster's reply to Hayne and his great debates with Calhoun.

It was the one heart's desire of the youth of Massachusetts that their beloved idol and leader should be crowned with the great office of the Presidency.
Mr.Webster tried to avert the conflict by voting against the treaty with Mexico, by which we acquired our great territory in the far West; but in vain.

The Whigs feared the overthrow of the Whig Party.

The manufacturer and the merchant dreaded an estrangement that would cause the loss of their southern trade, and with it all hope of a law that would protect their manufactures.
It was in this condition of things that I cast my first vote in November, 1847, shortly after I became of age.

It was for the Whig Governor.