John Caldwell Calhoun's political career spanned over forty years. At the time of his death and although he had never achieved his greatest ambition of holding the nation's highest office, his successes in the lesser offices he held throughout his life allowed Calhoun to become one of the nation's most distinguished, respected and admired in the history of the United States. Serving in both the House and Senate of Congress, serving as Secretary of War and Secretary of State, serving in the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving as Vice President on two different occasions and under two different administrations, it is clear that for John C. Calhoun, politics was the essence of his life's work. His life began on March 18, 1782 in Abbeville, South Carolina, and he first received formal education from Moses Waddel in 1795 (2). Waddel was the husband of Calhoun's older sister, Catherine. John became close to Waddel who actively cultivated his intellect and ability to learn (6). Calhoun later studied at Yale College where the school's president, Timothy Dwight, who was a staunch Federalist, saw great potential in Calhoun (28). He graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1804, but due to illness Calhoun was unable to deliver his senior address entitled "The Qualifications Necessary to Make a Perfect Statesman." (32) After Yale, Calhoun moved to Litchfield, Connecticut, and undertook legal education while attending Litchfield Law School in Tapping Reeve. He completed his coursework in July 1806 and thereafter pursued further legal training, first in Charleston and then in Abbeville. Then, in December 1807, he was officially admitted to the South Carolina Bar. Meanwhile, the young lawyer... middle of paper... health, wonderful health!' by the doctor, can save a seriously ill patient. ...How can the Union be saved? There is only one way to do this for sure; that is, through a complete and definitive solution, according to the principle of justice, of all issues in conflict between the two sections. ...If you, who represent the stronger party, cannot agree to resolve them on the broad principle of justice and duty, say so; and let the States we both represent agree to separate and divide in peace. If you don't want us to part in peace, tell us; and we will know what to do when you reduce the issue to submission or resistance." At the age of 68, Calhoun died in Washington on March 31, 1850, and only a few months later Congress succeeded in passing the Compromise of 1850, which many believe dispelled secession and civil war for the next decade.