But this very fact enhanced his power with the South, and increased his hold upon his own people.

To the majority of the people in the slave-holding States he was as an inspired leader for more than twenty years.

He taught the philosophy and supplied the arguments to the ambitious generation of public men who came after him, and who were prepared, as he was not, to force the issue to the arbitrament of arms.

Deplorable as was the end to which his teachings led, he could not have acquired the influence he wielded over millions of men unless he had been gifted with acute intellect, distinguished by moral excellence, and inspired by the sincerest belief in the righteousness of his cause.

History will adjudge him to have been single-hearted and honest in his political creed.