He had succeeded in maintaining his reputation for patriotism, devotion to principle, political sagacity and wisdom, and his fame as a public debater and eloquent speaker.

But no new development of qualities unrecognized before had been made.

From that year forward, however, he placed himself in a new attitude before the country, and entered upon a career which eclipsed all his former services, and added a lustre to his fame which will glow in unrivalled splendor as long as human freedom is prized on earth.

It can hardly be necessary to state that allusion is here made to his advocacy of the Right of Petition, and his determined hostility to slavery.

At an age when most men would leave the stormy field of public life, and retire to the quiet seclusion of domestic comfort, these great topics inspirited Mr.Adams with a renewed vigor.