That the Southern convention movement proved comparatively
innocuous in June is due in part to confidence inspired by the
conciliatory policy of one outstanding Northerner, Webster.
"Webster's speech", said Winthrop, "has knocked the Nashville
Convention into a cocked hat."[46] The Nashville Convention has
been blown by your giant effort to the four winds."[47] "Had you
spoken out before this, I verily believe the Nashville Convention
had not been thought of. Your speech has disarmed and quieted the
South."[48] Webster's speech caused hesitation in the South.
"This has given courage to all who wavered in their resolution or
who were secretly opposed to the measure [Nashville
Convention]."[49]

[46] MSS., Mar. 10. AM. HIST. REV., voL. xxvii.--18.

[47] Anstell, Bethlehem, May 21, Greenough Collection.

[48] Anderson, Tenn., Apr. 8, ibid.

[49] Goode, Hunter Corr., Amer. Hist. Assoc., Annual Report
(1916, vol. II.), p. 111.


Ames cites nearly a store of issues of newspapers in Mississippi,
South Carolina, Louisiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia
reflecting the change in public opinion in March. Even some of
the radical papers referred to the favorable effect of Webster's
speech and "spirit" in checking excitement. "The Jackson
(Mississippi) Southron had at first supported the movement [for a
Southern Convention], but by March it had grown lukewarm and