But the time for which he practised at the New Hampshire bar was probably not lost with reference to his future professional and political eminence. His own standard of legal attainment was high. He was associated with professional brethren fully competent to put his powers to their best proof, and to prevent him from settling down in early life into an easy routine of ordinary professional practice. It was no disadvantage, under these circumstances, (except in reference to immediate pecuniary benefit,) to enjoy some portion of that leisure for general reading, which is almost wholly denied to the lawyer of commanding talents, who steps immediately into full practice in a large city. FOOTNOTES [1] Fifty dollars. The knowledge of this fact is derived from the "Gloucester News," to which it was no doubt communicated by Master Tappan. [2] Belknap's History of New Hampshire, Vol. III. p. 328. [3] The old school-house was burned down many years ago. The spot on which it stood belongs to Mr. Robert J. Bradley, who has inherited from his father a devoted friendship for Mr. Webster, and who would never suffer any other building to be erected on the spot, and says that none shall be during his life. CHAPTER II. Entrance on Public Life.--State of Parties in 1812.--Election to Congress.--Extra Session of 1813.--Foreign Relations of the Country.--Resolutions relative to the Berlin and Milan Decrees.--Naval Defence.--Reelected to Congress in 1814.--Peace with England.--Projects for a National Bank.--Mr. Webster's Course on that Question.--Battle of New Orleans.--New Questions arising on the Return of Peace.--Course of Prominent Men of Different Parties.--Mr. Webster's Opinions on the Constitutionality of the Tariff Policy.--The Resolution to restore Specie Payments moved by Mr. Webster.--Removal to Boston.