Clay's speeches, extravagant, imprudent, and grandiose, had at least one merit: they were thoroughly American and expressed the opinion of the first generation of Americans that had grown up since the colonies won their freedom.
Beveridge reflects on the significance of Henry Clay's speeches in shaping American identity post-independence.
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Genius, and learning, and consummate skill, Moulding each thought, obedient to the will; Affections pure, as e'er warmed human breast, And love, in blessing others, doubly blest; Virtue unspotted, uncorrupted truth, Gentle in age, and…
To Marshall reared--the great, the good, the wise; Born for all ages, honored in all skies; His was the fame to mortals rarely given, Begun on earth, but fixed in aim on heaven.
These had power To charm through life and cheer his dying hour.
In the excitement produced by ardent controversy, gentlemen view the same object through such different media that minds, not infrequently receive therefrom precisely opposite impressions.
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