Scandal 20: Daniel Webster’s Secret Mistress

The unspoken code of turning a blind eye to the private lives of Congresspeople was broken open in the 19th century. That’s when journalist Jane Swisshelm revealed the secret mistress and child of Senator Daniel Webster, bringing his unexpected vote for popular sovereignty during the Compromise of 1850 under direct fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices