He was then beginning to lose somewhat his oratorical power and the splendid qualities which made him so important a force in the history of Massachusetts and of the country.
But still on fit occasions he showed all his old vigor and brilliancy.

When the delegation gave a dinner to William B.Washburn on his election as Governor Banks presided.

He kept up a running stream of eloquence and wit as he introduced the different speakers and punctuated their remarks with interjections of his own, which I have never known equalled, though I have attended many like occasions.

Banks was a man of humble origin.
He used to be known as the Waltham Bobbin Boy.

He worked in his boyhood and youth in a factory in Waltham.