Although Clay had hoped the Compromise would be a final settlement on the matter of slavery that could unite the nation , it divided his Whig Party , especially when the 1852 Whig National Convention endorsed it to the anger of liberal northerners like Seward . The major candidates for the presidential nomination were President Fillmore , Senator Daniel Webster , and General Scott . Seward supported Scott , who he hoped would , like Harrison , unite enough voters behind a military hero to win the election . Scott gained the nomination , and Seward campaigned for him . The Whigs were unable to reconcile over slavery , whereas the Democrats could unite behind the Compromise ; the Whigs won only four states , and former New Hampshire senator Franklin Pierce was elected president . Other events , such as the 1852 publication of '' Uncle Tom 's Cabin '' and Northern anger over the enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act ( an element of the Compromise ) , widened the divide between North and South
1852 Whig National Convention
1852 Whig National Convention
William H. Seward