speaking, there was always a procession,
in which the delegations sang and cheered as they marched along,
sometimes rolling balls on which were the names of the States,
while the music of numerous bands aided in imparting enthusiasm.

The speaking was from a platform, over which floated the national
flag, and on which were seated the invited guests, the local
political magnates, the clergymen of the place, and generally a
few Revolutionary soldiers, who were greeted with loud applause.
The principal orators during the campaign were Henry Clay, Daniel
Webster, William C. Preston, Henry A. Wise, Thomas Corwin, Thomas
Ewing, Richard W. Thompson, and scores of less noted names. General
Harrison took the stump himself at several of the Western gatherings,
and spoke for over an hour on each occasion. His demeanor was that
of a well-bred, well-educated, venerable Virginia gentleman,
destitute of humor and fond of quoting from the classic authors.

The favorite campaign document, of which hundreds of thousands were
circulated through the mails under the franks of the Whig Congressmen,
was the reply in the House of Representatives by Thomas Corwin, of
Ohio, to an attack upon Harrison's military record made by Mr.
Isaac E. Crary. A native of Connecticut, Mr. Crary had migrated
to Michigan, and was the first and the only Representative from
that recently admitted State. Anxious to distinguish himself, he
undertook to criticise the military career of General Harrison with
great unfairness and partisan vigor. Mr. Corwin replied the next
day in one of the most wonderful speeches ever delivered at
Washington. For vigorous argument and genuine wit the speech has
rarely been equaled. Those who heard it agree that his defense of
Harrison was overwhelming and the annihilation of Crary complete.
The House was convulsed with laughter at the richness and originality
of the humor, and at times almost awed by the great dignity and
profound arguments of the orator. The pages of history were
ransacked for illustrations to sustain the speaker, and all were
poured in rapid profusion upon the head of poor Crary, who sat
amazed and stupefied at the storm he had provoked. As Corwin
proceeded the members left their seats and clustered thickly about
him, the reporters laid down their pens, and everybody gave themselves
up to the enjoyment of the hour. As Mr. Corwin painted in mock
heroic style the knowledge of military affairs which the law