interest and excitement, so also did his man ner of speaking and the garb in which his thoughts were expressed. On occasions of great importance, his words were carefully chosen, his style characterized by an elabor ate finish and a stately elegance, and his thoughts adorned by the choicest imagery and a profusion of flowers; while, at other times, he expressed his thoughts in the homely idiom of the common people. Mr. Magoon presents us with a charming description of Mr. Preston, as he appeared when he first saw him in the Senate : " We love good speaking, and will make almost any sac rifice to enjoy the best. Ten years ago we performed a long and expensive journey to Washington, on purpose to hear the lions roar. At that time, what an array of talent there was in Congress! The morning after our arrival, we hurried to the Capitol, glanced at the works of art and the elegant grounds, wait ing for the doors to open, when we imme diately ensconced ourself in the Senate gal lery. The dignitaries soon began to drop into their seats. Some of them we had seen elsewhere, and the most were recognized at once, from prints or verbal description. But there was one in particular whom we were anxious to sec and hear. Newspaper ac counts of his matter and manner had ex cited the liveliest curiosity, and we had come a weary way to seek its gratification. 'Pray, sir,' said we to a reporter, 'which is Mr. Preston?' 'That's him,' was the reply, pointing to a somewhat large and decidedly heavy-looking personage, with brown coat and a little switch cane, round-shouldered, yellowish wig, and florid complexion, trudg ing about with good-natured greetings to all, in a kind of whining tone and careless air, everywhere met with smiles, and with every body c1acking a joke. This was a poser, indeed. We were looking for a prim, scho lastic dignitary, with a most refined aspect and reserved manner, stooping to small talk only in selectest circles, and then always in ore rotutuio style.
"Business began at length, and it was worse still. This great orator of South Carolina, of whom our friend, James C. Brooks, had written so vividly, arose to second a resolu tion. He stood 'in a most unclassical position, bending forward, with his hands resting on two desks beneath him, his face expression less, and his whole delivery as devoid of our preconceived notions as it could possibly be. Had he not more than once responded to the call of his name, we should have doubted his identity. "But, wait a bit. An expected debate was postponed, and a bill came up suddenly for final action, in which Mr. Preston was a good deal interested. It was a critical mo ment for the measure involved, and he rose again to speak. How different! Not three minutes had passed before we saw a new man there. He insensibly assumed an erect position, as elastic as it was commanding; his countenance changed its aspect as palpa bly as the landscape is changed by the sun bursting through sombre clouds; his muscles rounded out in a fuller and fairer symmetry; and the veins of his forehead swelled with the heated currents of almost preternatural energy; his voice was suddenly changed into deep and mellow tones, with now and then a slight trembling, that indicated intense emotion; those short, significant sentences, so peculiar to his higher efforts, shot out in every direction like hissing bolts; every eye and ear of a rapidly gathered throng seemed entranced before the speaker as he fulmi nated like one truly inspired. "Since that day of unexpected disappoint ment and unequalled gratification, we have heard a great deal of debating in Washing ton, London and Paris, but have never met a second William C. Preston. There may be others who are sounder logicians, more finical rhetoricians, shrewder politicians, or abstruser metaphysicians; but where is a competitor who can excel him in lucid, fiery and captivating declamation?"
