Henry Clay, Sr. (April 12, 1777 - June 29, 1852) was an American planter, statesman and orator who represented Kentucky in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, and served as Secretary of State from 1825-29. He favored war with Britain and played a significant role in leading the nation to war in 1812. He was the leading proponent of the American System, fighting for an increase in tariffs to foster industry, the use of federal funding to build and maintain infrastructure, and a strong national bank. He opposed the Mexican-American War and the "Manifest Destiny" policy of Democrats. Dubbed the "Great Compromiser," he brokered important compromises during the Nullification Crisis and on the slavery issue, especially in 1820 and 1850, during which he was part of the "Great Triumvirate", with his colleagues Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun. In 1957, a Senate Committee selected Clay as one of the five greatest US Senators, along with Webster, Calhoun, Robert La Follette, and Robert Taft. Abraham Lincoln was a great admirer of Clay, saying he was "my ideal of a great man." Clay died of tuberculosis in 1852 at the age of 75. He was the first person to lie in state in the US Capitol.