The theme was a splendid one, both in the intrinsic interest of the event itself, in the character of the Pilgrims, in the vast results which had grown from their humble beginnings, and in the principles of free government, which had spread from the cabins of the exiles over the face of a continent, and had become the common heritage of a great people.

We are fortunate in having a description of the orator, written at the time by a careful observer and devoted friend, Mr.
Ticknor, who says:-- "_Friday Evening._--I have run away from a great levee there is down-stairs, thronging in admiration round Mr.Webster, to tell you a little word about his oration.

Yet I do not dare to trust myself about it, and I warn you beforehand that I have not the least confidence in my own opinion.

His manner carried me away completely; not, I think, that I could have been so carried away if it had been a poor oration, for of that, I apprehend, there can be no fear.

It _must_ have been a great, a very great performance, but whether it was so absolutely unrivalled as I imagined when I was under the immediate influence of his presence, of his tones, of his looks, I cannot be sure till I have read it, for it seems to me incredible.
"I was never so excited by public speaking before in my life.