The cradle hymns of the child were the songs of liberty.

The power and competence of man for self-government were the topics which he most frequently heard discussed by the wise men of the day, and the inspiration thus caught gave form and pressure to his after life.

Thus early imbued with the love of free institutions, educated by his father for the service of his country, and early led by WASHINGTON to its altar, he has stood before the world as one of its eminent statesmen.
He has occupied, in turn, almost every place of honor which the country could give him, and for more than half a century, has been thus identified with its history.

* * * * * "It is believed to have been the earnest wish of his heart to die, like Chatham, in the midst of his labors.

It was a sublime thought, that where he had toiled in the house of the nation, in hours of the day devoted to its service, the stroke of death should reach him, and there sever the ties of love and patriotism which bound him to earth.