But he was a man of large and comprehensive vision, of independence, and exerted his vast influence with the people for high ends.

He might justly be called, like the negro Toussaint, L'Ouverture,--The Opener.

His election as Governor extracted the people from the mire of Know Nothingism.
His election as Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives was part of the first victory over the Whig Dynasty which had kept the State, contrary to its best traditions, in alliance with slavery.

His election as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives was the first National Republican victory.

His taking a little slave girl on a cannon during the War in his march through the Shenandoah Valley was hailed throughout the country as an omen that the War would not end until slavery was abolished.