In December 1852, however, be became first lord of the treasury and head of a coalition ministry of Whigs and Peelites.
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.
The Whigs never won a national or state election, and often their vote was only about one-half that of the Democrats..
During the war the settlers in Western Virginia were generally active Whigs and many served in the Continental army.