He was not a great man, but he was honorable and well intentioned.

He wished to have about him the best and ablest men of his party, and to trust to their guidance for a successful administration.

But although he had no desire to invent a policy, or to draft state papers, he was determined to be the author of his own inaugural speech, and he came to Washington with a carefully-prepared manuscript in his pocket.

When Mr.
Webster read this document he found it full of gratitude to the people, and abounding in allusions to Roman history.

With his strong sense of humor, and of the unities and proprieties as well, he was a good deal alarmed at the proposed speech; and after much labor, and the expenditure of a good deal of tact, he succeeded in effecting some important changes and additions.