He lacked the creative genius of Hamilton, the prescient gifts of Jay, and the skill of Burr to marshal men for selfish purposes, but he was at home in debate with the ablest men of his time, a master of sarcasm, of trenchant wit, and of felicitous rhetoric.
Alexander compares the abilities of a historical figure to his contemporaries, noting his strengths in debate and rhetoric.
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Thoughtful men who were not in any sense political partisans gave careful heed to his words.
Gerrit Smith was a noble example of the champions of freedom.
It cared nothing for the Democratic party except as it contributed to its selfish ends.
People were getting tired of bold action without achievement in the field, and every opponent of the Administration became a threnodist.
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