This little incident shows the susceptibility to outside influences which formed such an odd trait in the character of a man so imperious by nature.

When acting alone, he spoke his own opinions.

When in a situation where public opinion was concentrated against him, he submitted to modifications of his views with a curious and indolent indifference.
The immediate result to Mr.Webster of the ability and tact which he displayed at the Rockingham Convention was his election to the thirteenth Congress, where he took his seat in May, 1813.

There were then many able men in the House.

Mr.Clay was Speaker, and on the floor were John C.
Calhoun, Langdon Cheves and William Lowndes of South Carolina, Forsyth and Troup of Georgia, Ingersoll of Pennsylvania, Grundy of Tennessee, and McLean of Ohio, all conspicuous in the young nationalist war party.