opposed them stood young Clay, dealing blows so thick and heavy with the ponderous battle-axe of his eloquence, as to drive his foes in disorder and dismay from the field of political strife. It is related that on one occasion the people had assembled in a large crowd in a grove near Lexington, to listen to a discussion to come off between the advocates and opposers of these laws. The greatest interest had been awakened, extensive preparation made by the combatants, and with the most inflammatory zeal they entered the lists. The assemblage was first addressed by Mr. George Nicholas, a gentleman of distinguished ability and commanding eloquence. His effort is represented as having been one of great vigor, and characterized by that logical and philosophical acumen, for which he was so celebrated. When he ceased, the populace, wrought up to the highest degree of enthusiasm, poured out their rapturous applause. ‘Clay,’ ‘Clay,’ was now loudly called from all directions, and as he ascended the stand, it was clearly perceptible by his eagle eye and compressed lips that no ordinary emotions were struggling in his bosom. As the spirit of the tempest finds the ocean when he descends in his mightiest energy, so he found the boisterous mass swelling to and fro like the surges of the deep. But he was at home doing his legitimate work, pouring the oil of eloquence over a turbulent sea of passion, until its tumultuous heavings subsided and left one quiet, calm, and unruffled surface. The subject in his hands appeared in a new light, and he soon succeeded in securing for it that attention which is accompanied with feelings too deep for utterance: like those experienced by one standing on the edge of a crater, gazing down into its fiery abyss. His predecessor had poured a flood of sunshine over the multitude, which caused those heartfelt, spontaneous out-gushings of joyful emotion, which are its usual comcomitants. But his office was that of the lightning’s flash and thunder peal, hushing, awing, and subduing. When he closed there were no clamorous expressions, no deafening shouts of applause, but something far more significant he read in the quivering lips, indignant looks, and frowning brows around him; and heard, in the deep low growl that came up, a much more flattering tribute to his talents. He was followed by Mr. William Murray, an orator of great popularity, and well qualified to exhibit acceptably the merits of those laws, if indeed they possessed any. His efforts, however, were futile. The conviction of their pernicious tendency had been planted too deep in the minds of the people by Mr. Clay, to permit them to listen to their merits, or to allow them to believe that they had any. He would not have been suffered to proceed had not the previous speakers urgently solicited permission. Another attempt was made to reply, but the people could be restrained no longer, and made a furious rush towards the place