e with his profession; later he was
offered the mission to France, which he also declined. In 1797 President
Adams sent another delegation to France, which he accepted, and with
Pickney and Gerry proceeded to Paris.

Upon his return he immediately resumed his practice, but was urged to
defend his party. Washington finally prevailed upon him to run for
Congress, to which he was elected in 1799. Even during the canvass Adams
offered him a seat on the Supreme Bench, which he declined. Within a few
weeks from the time of his entrance upon his duties as Congressman, he
was called upon to announce in that body the death of Washington. His
words were few, but were ever remembered as producing a profound
impression.

Washington, the great Federal leader was dead. Virginia had passed the
resolution of 1798, recording her solemn protest, and the Republicans
were flushed with the daily increasing revulsion against the Federal
Government. At this crisis John Marshall appeared in Congress and
stepped to the front as the leader of his party. In 1800 he was
appointed Secretary of War. Before he entered upon his duties he is
placed at the head of the Cabinet as Secretary of State, and a few
months later his name is sent by the President to Congress, and is
unanimously confirmed for the position of Chief Justice of the United
States.

John Marshall has been heretofore recognized as a man of great ability,
and now he takes a position which he holds for life, and where his
influence is paramount. On one occasion a young house-keeper was
swearing lustily because he could find no one to carry his turkey home
for him. A plain man standing by offered to perform the service, and
when they arrived at the door the young man asked, 'What shall I pay
you, sir'? 'O nothing,' replied the old man; 'It was on my way, and no
trouble.' 'Who is that polite old gentleman,' asked the young man of a
bystander. The reply was, 'That is the Chief Justice of the United
States.' The young man drank the bitter cup without further comment.

An eminent writer once said of him: Here is John Marshall, whose mind
seems to be an inexhaustible quarry from which he draws the materials
and builds his fabrics rude and Gothic, but of such strength that
neither time nor force can beat them down; a fellow who would not turn
off a single step from the right line of his argument, though a paradise
should rise to tempt him.

What more could be said of him,--only that he di