Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Ashburton, Alexander Baring, Lord,

English diplomatist; born in England, Oct. 27, 1774; son of Sir Francis Baring, an eminent merchant: was employed, in his youth, in mercantile affairs, in the [228] United States, and married an American wife. In 1810 he became the head of his father's business house; in 1812-35 sat in Parliament, and in 1835 was raised to the peerage under the title of Baron Ashburton. The unsettled condition of the Northeastern boundary question led Sir Robert Peel to send Baron Ashburton to the United States, as being widely acquainted with American affairs. Here he concluded, Aug. 9, 1842, with Daniel Webster, the “Webster-Ashburton treaty,” which settled the northeastern boundary between the United States and the British dominions. For this achievement he was accorded, in both Houses of Parliament, a complimentary vote of thanks, and an earldom was offered him, which he declined. He was privy councillor, a trustee of the British Museum, and received the D. C.L. degree from Oxford. He died in Longleat, England, May 13, 1848. See Webster, Daniel.