The readers of Fisher Ames--alas, too few--can well comprehend the spell which persuaded an angry and reluctant majority to save the treaty to which the nation had pledged its faith, and, perhaps, the life of the nation itself.
Hoar reflects on the limited readership of Fisher Ames, recognizing the profound influence he had on a critical moment in American history.
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What was said helped to arouse public attention, and the masses of the people--always pure and incorruptible--set themselves earnestly and successfully to reform the abuses.
It will be better for his reputation that the chapter of that history which relates to him shall be written by a historian with a full and clear sense of those faults and infirmities, concealing nothing, and extenuating nothing.
He proceeded to attack, to promote his own ambitions, the fair name and fame of the Commonwealth itself.
But I confess I like to leave on record, if I may, some evidence which will contradict the charge so constantly made by critics near home, that I am a man of intense partisan and personal bitterness.
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