CHAPTER VIII. cxix

Critical State of Foreign Affairs on the Accession of General Harrison.--Mr. Webster appointed to the State Department.--Death of General Harrison.--Embarrassed Relations with England.--Formation of Sir Robert Peel's Ministry, and Appointment of Lord Ashburton as Special Minister to the United States.--Course pursued by Mr. Webster in the Negotiations.--The Northeastern Boundary.--Peculiar Difficulties in its Settlement happily overcome.--Other Subjects of Negotiation.--Extradition of Fugitives from Justice.--Suppression of the Slave-Trade on the Coast of Africa.--History of that Question.--Affair of the Caroline.--Impressment.--Other Subjects connected with the Foreign Relations of the Government.--Intercourse with China.--Independence of the Sandwich Islands.--Correspondence with Mexico.--Sound Duties and the Zoll-Verein.--Importance of Mr. Webster's Services as Secretary of State.