He
was fresh and young, a strong man rejoicing to run the race. Mr. Ticknor
says, in speaking of the oration:--
"The passage at the end, where, spreading his arms as if to embrace
them, he welcomed future generations to the great inheritance which
we have enjoyed, was spoken with the most attractive sweetness and
that peculiar smile which in him was always so charming. The effect
of the whole was very great. As soon as he got home to our
lodgings, all the principal people then in Plymouth crowded about
him. He was full of animation, and radiant with happiness. But
there was something about him very grand and imposing at the same
time. I never saw him at any time when he seemed to me to be more
conscious of his own powers, or to have a more true and natural
enjoyment from their possession."
Amid all the applause and glory, there was one letter of congratulation and
acknowledgment which must have given Mr. Webster more pleasure than
anything else, It came from John Adams, who never did anything by halves.
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