Jurist; born in
Dagsboro, Sussex co., Del., July 24, 1796; graduated at Yale College in 1815, and at the famous
Litchfield Law School; began practice in 1818; and, after serving in the State legislature, and as
Secretary of State, was elected to the United States Senate in 1829 and 1835.
In 1837 he resigned to become chief-justice of
Delaware; from 1845 till 1849 was again in the United States Senate; in the latter year became
Secretary of State under
President Taylor; and from 1851 till his death was again in the United States Senate.
It was during his service as
Secretary of State that he negotiated with the
British government what has since become known as the
Clayton-Bulwer treaty (q. v.). He died in
Dover, Del., Nov. 9, 1856.