Much of this may be credited to the heated animosities of the moment, but there can be no doubt that Mr.Webster took the matter into his own hands in the committee, and made every effort to protect Mr.Crawford, in whose favor he also spoke in the House.

It is likewise certain that there was an attempt to bring about an alliance between Crawford and the Federalists of the North and East.

The effort was abortive, and even before the conclusion of the Edwards business Mr.Webster avowed that he should take but little part in the election, and that his only purpose was to secure the best terms possible for the Federalists, and obtain recognition for them from the next administration.

At that time he wished Mr.Mason to be attorney-general, and had already turned his thoughts toward the English mission for himself.
To this waiting policy he adhered, but when the popular election was over, and the final decision had been thrown into the House of Representatives, more definite action became necessary.

From the questions which he put to his brother and others as to the course which he ought to pursue in the election by the House, it is obvious that he was far from anxious to secure the choice of Mr.Adams, and was weighing carefully other contingencies.
The feeling of New England could not, however, be mistaken.