The Mission of 



ceived from a fishing environment in 

 the preparation of his best oratorical 

 efforts; and other irrefutable testi- 

 mony to the same effect is at hand. 



It is not deemed necessary to cite in 

 proof of such aid more than a single 

 incident. Perhaps none of Mr. Web- 

 ster's orations was more notable, or 

 added more to his lasting fame, than 

 that delivered at the laying of the 

 cornerstone of the Bunker Hill Monu- 

 ment. And it will probably be con- 

 ceded that its most impressive and 

 beautiful passage was addressed to the 

 survivors of the War of Independence 

 then present, beginning with the 

 words, "Venerable men I" This thrill- 

 ing oratorical flight was composed and 

 elaborated by Mr. Webster while 

 wading waist deep and casting his 

 92 



