He
sees the relative importance and weight of different views, and can
assign to each its proper place, and brings forward the main body of his
reasoning in prominent relief, without distracting the attention by
unimportant particulars. And above all, he has the good sense, so rarely
shown by many, to stop when he has said all that is necessary for the
elucidation of his subject. With a proper confidence in his own
perceptions, he states his views so pertinently and in such precise and
logical terms, that they cannot but be felt and appreciated. He never
mystifies; he never attempts to pervert words from their proper and
legitimate meaning to answer a temporary purpose.
"His demeanor at the bar nay be pronounced faultless. His courtesy in
the court house, like his courtesy elsewhere, is that which springs from
self-respect and from a kindly heart, disposing its owner to say and do
kindly things. But he would be a courageous man who, presuming upon the
affability of Mr. Pierce's manner, would venture a second time to attack
him; for he would long remember the rebuke that followed his first
attack. There is a ready repartee and a quick and cutting sarcasm in his
manner when he chooses to display it, which it requires a man of
considerable nerve to withstand.
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