In December 1852, however, be became first lord of the treasury and head of a coalition ministry of Whigs and Peelites.
The Whigs never won a national or state election, and often their vote was only about one-half that of the Democrats..
Webster hesitated, but after consultation with a delegation of Massachusetts Whigs decided to remain.
Immediately after the treaty had been concluded the Whigs insisted that Webster should leave the cabinet.
During the war the settlers in Western Virginia were generally active Whigs and many served in the Continental army.
