*
[Footnote]
* "The oration by Judge Devens was magnificent. He spoke wholly
without notes and his effort was largely extemporaneous. He
began by saying that the lateness of the hour ('twas nearly six
o'clock) would prevent his following the train of any previously
prepared effort and he would briefly review the history of the
battle and its results upon the world's history. He spoke for
nearly and hour and a quarter, holding his fine audience in rapt
attention by his eloquence, the elegance of his diction and his
superb enunciation. It was, indeed, a wonderful effort, and
will compare favorably with Webster's great orations in '25 and
'43."--From the diary of Henry H. Edes.
[End of Footnote]
At New Haven he delivered the address before the Army of the
Potomac in commemoration of General Meade and the battle of
Gettysburg, which is a fine specimen of historic narrative
mingled and adorned with stately eloquence. At the banquet
in the evening of the same day the gentleman who had been
expected to respond to the toast, "The private soldier," was
unexpectedly called away, and General Devens was asked at
a moment's notice and without preparation to take his place.
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