He was master of logic.

No man perceived more quickly than he the strength or the weakness of an argument, and no one excelled him in the use of sophistry and fallacy.

Where he could not elucidate a point to his own advantage, he would fatally becloud it for his opponent.

In that peculiar style of debate, which, in its intensity, resembles a physical contest, he had no equal.

He spoke with extraordinary readiness.