The galleries were much smaller than at present, and I found them full to overflowing, with a dense crowd about the door, struggling to reach the stairs.

I could not get near, and then tried the reporters' gallery, but found it equally crowded; so I feared I should lose the only possible opportunity to hear Mr.Webster.
I had only a limited personal acquaintance with any of the Senators, but had met Mr.Corwin quite often at Mr.Ewing's house, and I also knew that he had been extremely friendly to my father in his lifetime; so I ventured to send in to him my card, "W.

T.S., First-Lieutenant, Third Artillery." He came to the door promptly, when I said, "Mr.Corwin, I believe Mr.Webster is to speak to-day." His answer was, "Yes, he has the floor at one o'clock." I then added that I was extremely anxious to hear him.

"Well," said he, "why don't you go into the gallery ?" I explained that it was full, and I had tried every access, but found all jammed with people.

"Well," said he, "what do you want of me ?" I explained that I would like him to take me on the floor of the Senate; that I had often seen from the gallery persons on the floor, no better entitled to it than I.