Page:Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs (Volume One).djvu/142

of duty requires, and when that time arrives, no array of numbers or talent shall deter me from it.” After some remarks intended to connect the Whig and Federal parties I repeated the conclusion of Mr. Adams’ pamphlet and made my escape in the smoke. Crowninshield sat upon the dais in front of the speaker during the debate. I made no allusion to him, for I commanded my faculties sufficiently to enable me to realize that if he denied my allegations the denial would be fatal to my standing, and that he would be seriously injured if he accepted my statement. The event taught me a lesson, and thenceforward I have avoided all reference in debate to private conversations.