6535. PENDLETON (Edmund), Perseverance.—
Mr. Pendleton * * * was the
ablest man in debate I have ever met with. He
had not, indeed, the poetical fancy of Mr.
Henry, his sublime imagination, his lofty and
overwhelming diction; but he was cool, smooth
and persuasive; his language flowing, chaste
and embellished; his conceptions quick, acute
and full of resource; never vanquished: for if
he lost the main battle, he returned upon you,
and regained so much of it as to make it a
drawn one, by dexterous manœuvres, skirmishes
in detail, and the recovery of small advantages
which, little singly, were important
altogether. You never knew when you were
clear of him, but were harassed by his perseverance,
until the patience was worn down of
all who had less of it than himself. Add to this,
that he was one of the most virtuous and
benevolent of men, the kindest friend, the most
amiable and pleasant of companions, which insured
a favorable reception to whatever came
from him.—
Autobiography. Washington ed. i, 37.
Ford ed., i, 50.
(1821)
