to float in the atmosphere of the hall, and every
heart expanded with an indescribable feeling of pride and
exultation. The turmoil, the darkness, the very 'chaos of anarchy,'
which had for three successive days pervaded the American Congress,
was dispelled by the magic, the talismanic eloquence, of a single
man; and once more the wheels of government and legislation were put
in motion.

"Having, by this powerful appeal, brought the yet unorganized
assembly to a perception of its hazardous position, he submitted a
motion requiring the acting clerk to call the roll. Accordingly Mr.
Adams was interrupted by a burst of voices demanding, 'How shall the
question be put?' 'Who will put the question?' The voice of Mr.
Adams was heard above the tumult: 'I intend to put the question
myself!' That word brought order out of chaos. There was the master
mind.

"As soon as the multitude had recovered itself, and the excitement
of irrepressible enthusiasm had abated, Mr. Richard Barnwell Rhett,
of South Carolina, leaped upon one of the desks, waved his hand, and
exclaimed: 'I move that the Honorable John Quincy Adams take the
chair of the Speaker of the house, and officiate as presiding
officer till the house be organized by the election of its
constitutional officers. As many as are agreed to this will say Ay;
those--'

"He had not an opportunity to complete the sentence, 'those who are
not agreed will say No;' for one universal, deafening, thundering
AY responded to the nomination.

"Hereupon it was moved and ordered that Lewis Williams, of North
Carolina, and Richard Barnwell Rhett, conduct John Quincy Adams to
the chair.

"Well did Mr. Wise, of Virginia, say: 'Sir, I regard it as the
proudest hour of your life; and if, when you shall be gathered to
your fathers, I were asked to select the words which, in my
judgment, are best calculated to give at once the character of the
man, I would inscribe upon your tomb this sentence: _I will put
the question myself_.'"

CHAPTER XI.

SECOND REPORT ON THE SMITHSONIAN FUND.--HIS SPEECH ON A BILL FOR
INSURING A MORE FAITHFUL EXECUTION OF THE LAWS RELATING TO THE
COLLECTION OF DUTIES ON IMPORTS.--REMARKS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN
EXTENSIVE SERIES OF MAGNETICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS.--ON
ITINERANT ELECTIONE