His classmates in college used to call him Cato.

He favored the suppression of the sale and use of intoxicating liquors, and desired that the whole force of the State should be brought to bear to accomplish that end.

He was the inveterate foe of oppression, and in his later years, opposed every compromise with slavery.

But he had no sympathy with reforms which seemed to him to be devised merely as political instruments to advance the fortunes of persons or parties.
He had a huge respect for John Quincy Adams, a respect which I have good reason to know was reciprocated.

But he was by no means Mr.Adams's blind follower.