What did Daniel Webster do in 1850?

Daniel Webster was an American politician active in the mid-1800s. He served as a member of the House of Representatives, a senator, and secretary of state. In 1850, he was serving as a senator representing Massachusetts. On March 7 of that year, he delivered a famous speech in Congress in which he voiced his support of the Compromise of 1850.
The Compromise of 1850 was a proposal in Congress to compromise on specific disputes between states over the issue of slavery. Senator Webster delivered a speech in support of this effort, warning against the consequences of Southern secession:

I hear with distress and anguish the word "secession," especially when it falls from the lips of those who are patriotic, and known to the country, and known all over the world, for their political services. Secession! Peaceable secession! Sir, your eyes and mine are never destined to see that miracle. The dismemberment of this vast country without convulsion! The breaking up of the fountains of the great deep without ruffing the surface! Who is so foolish, I beg everybody's pardon, as to expect to see any such thing?

Though Webster's speech promoted unity and attempted to avoid violent war between the states, abolitionists (those who supported abolishing slavery) took issue with the Massachusetts senator's support of compromising with the South on such an issue. As a result of this speech, Webster faced a severe backlash from the public and lost support from many. He resigned from the Senate in July of 1850, just four short months after he delivered his speech.