98. ADAMS (Samuel), Ability.—
He was truly a great man, wise in council, fertile in
resources, immovable in his purposes, and
had, I think, a greater share than any other
member, in advising and directing our measures
in the northern war especially. * * *
Although not of fluent elocution, he was
so rigorously logical, so clear in his views,
abundant in good sense, and master always
of his subject, that he commanded the most
profound attention whenever he rose in an
assembly by which the froth of declamation
was heard with the most sovereign contempt.—
To S. A. Wells. Washington ed. vii, 126.
Ford ed., x, 131.
(M.
1819)
