I believe the book belonged to a law student of your father's, as your father had not yet taken to the reading of romances.
"My memory extends back to the organization of the Constitutional Convention of 1820.

I well remember the venerable figure of John Adams, as he took the seat of honor at the right hand of the president, and I remember the sonorous voice of Josiah Quincy, the Secretary.

I was staying at the house of Mr.
Evarts, and remember your father's dining there, and discussing the deportment and characteristics of several of the more prominent members.

Among them was the tall member from Worcester, Levi Lincoln, conspicuous by his drab overcoat, by his frequent speaking, and by his constantly moving about among the members.
The member who made the most lasting impression on my memory was Daniel Webster.

He was not yet forty years old, stalwart, black haired and black eyed, with a somewhat swarthy complexion; his manly beauty and his eloquence being alike objects of admiration.