The system of stump oratory had many advantages as a public force and was both edifying and educational.

There were a few conspicuous writers for the press, such as Ritchie, Greeley and Prentice.

But the day of personal journalism and newspaper influence came later.
I was born at Washington--February 16, 1840--"a bad year for Democrats," as my father used to say, adding: "I am afraid the boy will grow up to be a Whig." In those primitive days there were only Whigs and Democrats.

Men took their politics, as their liquor, "straight"; and this father of mine was an undoubting Democrat of the schools of Jefferson and Jackson.

He had succeeded James K.Polk in Congress when the future President was elected governor of Tennessee; though when nominated he was little beyond the age required to qualify as a member of the House.
To the end of his long life he appeared to me the embodiment of wisdom, integrity and courage.