He was a man of strong _physique_ and strong common sense; of phlegmatic temperament, without any pretension to genius; a sensible speaker, with no claim to eloquence or oratory.

But he had courage, determination, and honesty.

He believed the time had come to arrest the progress and extension of slavery.

He knew that the two-million bill was urged by the President because he wished to use the money to promote the acquisition of territory, and he determined then and there to make a stand in favor of free soil.

He thereupon, on the 8th of August, 1846, moved a _proviso_ to the two-million bill, declaring it to be "an express and fundamental condition to the acquisition of any territory from Mexico, that neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall ever exist therein." Mr.Wilmot was in the first session of his first Congress, was but thirty-three years of age, and up to that moment had not been known beyond his district.