I have met men who have heard Pitt and Fox, and in whose judgment their eloquence at its best was inferior to the finest efforts of John Bright.
At a time when much speaking has depressed, has almost exterminated, eloquence, he maintained that robust, powerful and vigorous style in which he gave fitting expression to the burning and noble thoughts he desired to utter."] [Footnote 1363: Speech at Rochdale, Feb.

3, 1863.

(Robertson, _Speeches of John Bright_, I, pp.

234 _seq._)] [Footnote 1364: Bigelow to Seward, Feb.

6, 1863.