to read. But, unfortunately, we have only here and there a torso to remind us of the consummate excellence long since mutilated by revolutions and wasted by time.

In the present instance, however, there is no such lack of well-authenticated materials. The chief difficulty. lies in making a judicious selection therefrom, samples the most characteristic of each master, and calculated " to exemplify in the most striking manner the peculiar qualities of each one's eloquence. The author may have failed in this respect, as in other important particulars; but, as he wished to succeed by doing justice to the subject every way, he has spared no pains.

The reader will understand that the production before him is not designed to be a book of examples merely, or of precepts alone, but rather of both combined. Taken with the volume referred to above, it is believed that we have arranged a complete circle of oratorical models, each one in his own individuality standing for a class, nearly approximating perfection of its kind, and in the aggregate presenting an array of exalted worthies whom the best talents would do well to emulate, and whom the loftiest genius can only by the most strenuous efforts hope to excel.

It is perhaps unnecessary to add that it has been the purpose of the author to maintain the strictest impar

tiality in portraying the distinguished personages in this work, in all of whom he recognizes much to admire. If in any instance he has been indiscreet or unjust in what he has presumed to write, he begs pardon of those who may conceive themselves wronged. He believes, however, that a delicate regard to private feelings and personal worth will be found pervading every succeeding page.

In dedicating this work to the Young Men of America, the author would remind them of Cicero's beautiful exhortation to Brutus, after the death of Hortensius: As

you now seem to have been left the sole guardian of an orphan eloquence, let me conjure you to cherish her with a generous fidelity: discourage the addresses of her worthless and impertinent suitors: preserve her pure and unblemished in all her virgin charms; and secure her, to the utmost of your ability, from the lawless violence of every ruffian."

CHAPTER I.

DANIEL WEBSTER,

THE LOGICIAN.

ALL honor to "The Old Granite State!" The contracted and tempestuous territory of New Hampshire has given birth to as much refined genius and effective talent, perhaps, as any State on our continent. Nearly all the heroism, moral excellence, and ennobling literature of the world, has been produced by those who, in infancy and youth were fostered by the inspiration of exalted regions, where the turf is covered with a rude beauty, rocks and wilderness are piled in bold and inimitable shapes of savage grandeur, tinged with the hues of untold centuries, and over which awe-inspiring storms often sweep with thunders in their train. This is the influence which more than half created the Shakspeares, Miltons, Spencers, Wordsworths, Scotts, Coleridges, Shelleys, Irvings, Coopers, Bryants, and Websters of the world; and without much personal acquaintance with such scenes it is impossible for a reader to comprehend their highest individuality of character so as fully to relish the best qualities of their works.

In the present discussion, we propose to consider the

leading circumstances of Daniel Webster's youth; trace the progress of his preparatory discipline; sketch his professional career; and portray the chief features of his eloquence.

In the first place, we remark that there is in the elements of our humanity a perpetual sympathy with the accompaniments of its first development; the mind and deeds of strongly-marked individuals ever assimilate with the nature of their parent soil, and the impressions thereon first received. This rule is strikingly exemplified in the life and character of Mr. Webster. He was born in Salisbury, near the "White Hills" of New Hampshire, at the source of the river Merrimack, in 1782. His father, who was a farmer, served both in the old French war, and in the War of the Revolution. A company composed mostly of his neighbors and friends was under his command in the battle of Bennington, at White Plains, and at West Point, when Arnold's treason was discovered. He died about the year 1806, having worthily filled several public offices, and, among others, that of Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, for the State.

Salisbury, to this day, is a retired, though flourishing town, but at the time its distinguished son appeared, the smoke of its few cabins went up amidst the rugged and lonely wilderness of the North. To describe the temperature of the mountainous region of his advent, it is fitting that we should employ the language of Milton in his "Moscova." Says he: "The north parts of this country are so barren, that the inhabitants fetch their corn a thousand miles, and so cold in winter, that the