A Discourse, Delivered at Plymouth, December 22, 1820. In Commemoration of the First Settlement of New-England

Focusing on the legacy of the Mayflower Pilgrims, Daniel Webster's discourse reflects on 200 years of American history, emphasizing the influence of Reformed Protestant values and English constitutionalism on the nation's development. He explores the political, economic, intellectual, and moral contributions of New England migrants, arguing that their foundational principles shaped American democracy. By examining the character of political institutions and property laws, Webster connects the Pilgrims' legacy to the evolving national identity and the political landscape leading up to the Civil War.