The Golden Age of American Oratory (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Golden Age of American Oratory Although the Revolutionary orators ushered in this Golden Age of our Eloquence, no attempt has been made to describe them; because such a de scription now must be, at best, only a second-hand copy of their traditionary lineaments. Many of the illustrative remarks and conversa tions alluded to in this volume, especially of Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and Mr. Choate, were expressed directly to the author, or in his presence, by these gentlemen. He has not, however, thought it worth while to particularize these instances in the text; except where an important principle is asserted by such eminent authorities, or an important historical fact is narrated.