He has described how Samuel J.May read the declaration for the last time.

"His sweet, persuasive voice faltered with the intensity of his emotions as he repeated the solemn pledges of the concluding paragraphs.

After a season of silence, David Thurston of Maine, rose as his name was called by one of the secretaries and affixed his name to the document.

One after another passed up to the platform, signed, and retired in silence.

All felt the deep responsibility of the occasion--the shadow and forecast of a life-long struggle rested upon every countenance." The effects, so electrical and impressive, which followed the reading of the declaration were not disproportioned to its merits, for it was an instrument of singular power, wisdom, and eloquence.