He would not irritate or causelessly wound the feelings of those who were just beginning to realize that they had lost in the issue put at stake in the Mexican war.

The speech undoubtedly had great influence in the North, and caused many anti-slavery men to turn back.

But on the other hand, it embittered thousands who pressed forward with sturdy principle and with a quickened zeal, not unmixed with resentment and a sense of betrayal.

In many parts of the country, and especially in the Middle and Southern States, the speech was received with enthusiastic approval.

But in New England, the loss of whose good opinion could not be compensated to Mr.Webster by the applause of a world outside, he never regained his hold upon the popular affection.