Mason, whom in mental
reach and grasp and in closeness of reasoning he would not allow to be
second even to Chief Justice Marshall. Mr. Mason on his side, with his
usual sagacity, at once detected the great talents of Mr. Webster. In the
first case where they were opposed, a murder trial, Mr. Webster took the
place of the Attorney-General for the prosecution. Mr. Mason, speaking of
the impression made by his youthful and then unknown opponent, said:--
"He broke upon me like a thunder shower in July, sudden,
portentous, sweeping all before it. It was the first case in which
he appeared at our bar; a criminal prosecution in which I had
arranged a very pretty defence, as against the Attorney-General,
Atkinson, who was able enough in his way, but whom I knew very well
how to take. Atkinson being absent, Webster conducted the case for
him, and turned, in the most masterly manner, the line of my
defences, carrying with him all but one of the jurors, so that I
barely saved my client by my best exertions. I was nevermore
surprised than by this remarkable exhibition of unexpected power.
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