ted from such a school at the age of
only seventeen, and at the head of his class, had he not exercised
tremendous energy. Still further do any of the readers who chance to
read this volume think that he was picked up bodily and placed in the
ministerial chair vacated by the gifted Buckminister when he was only
nineteen because he was lucky? A city preacher at nineteen! Occupying
one of the first pulpits in the land at nineteen! "Why, he was gifted."
Of course he was, and he was a tremendous worker. Thus was his success
enhanced.

At twenty he was appointed to a Greek professorship in Harvard College,
and qualified himself by travel in Europe for four years. During that
time he acquired that solid information concerning the history and
principles of law, and of the political systems of Europe, which formed
the foundation of that broad statesmanship for which he was afterward
distinguished. During his residence in Europe his range of study
embraced the ancient classics, the modern languages, the history and
principles of the civil and public law, and a comprehensive examination
of the existing political systems of Europe. He returned home, and from
that time until his death he was recognized as one of the greatest
orators of his time. In 1825 to 1835 he was a distinguished member of
the national congress. He then served three successive terms as governor
of Massachusetts. In 1814 he was appointed minister to the English
court. It was an important mission, for the relations of his government
with that of England, then wore a grave aspect. His official career in
London was a marked success. His personal accomplishments made him a
friend and favorite with the leading men and families of England. After
this he was sent as a commissioner to China, and after his return from
abroad, he was at once chosen President of Harvard College.

He entered upon the duties of this new office with his characteristic
energy and enthusiasm, but ill-health compelled his resignation at the
end of three years. Upon the death of his bosom friend, Daniel Webster,
he was appointed to succeed to Webster's position at the head of
President Fillmore's cabinet. Before the close of his duties as
Secretary of State, he was chosen by the Massachusetts State Legislature
to a seat in the National Senate. Once more overwork compelled his
withdrawal from active responsibility, and in May, 1854, under the
advice of his physician, he resigned his seat. But he