5120. MASON (George), Ability of.—
George Mason [was] a man of the first order
of wisdom among those who acted on the theatre
of the Revolution, of expansive mind, profound
judgment, cogent in argument, learned in
the lore of our former constitution, and earnest
for the republican change on democratic principles.
[320]
His elocution was neither flowing or
smooth; but his language was strong, his manner
most impressive, and strengthened by a
dash of biting cynicism when provocation made
it seasonable.—
Autobiography. Washington ed. i, 40.
Ford ed., i, 56.
(1821)
