But I learned more of the fashion of his mental operations than could be learned from his speeches on great occasions, especially after they had been revised for publication.

He spoke with much contempt of a petition signed by many of the foremost merchants and business men of Boston.

He described with great sarcasm the process of carrying about such petitions, and the relief of the person to whom they were presented on finding he was not asked to give any money.

"Oh, yes, I'll sign--I'll sign." He then read out one after another the names of men well known and honored in the city.

He threw down the petition with contempt, and the long sheet fell and unrolled upon the floor.
He had a singular habit, which made it wearisome to listen to his ordinary speech, of groping after the most suitable word, and trying one synonym after another till he got that which suited him best.