As you would expect from a man who raised himself from the humblest to the loftiest place in the republic, he was a believer in pure manhood, without respect of persons or conditions.
He was a powerful stump orator.

He never made speeches that were quoted as models of eloquence or wisdom.

But he knew what the farmer and the mechanic and the workman at his bench were thinking of, and addressed himself always to their best and highest thought.

He was a great vote-making speaker.
When Mechanics Hall, in Worcester, or the City Hall was filled to hear Henry Wilson in a close campaign, many men who entered the hall undecided or against him, went away to take earnest part on his side.
He had a good many angry political strifes.

But he never bore malice or seemed to keep angry over night.