By mingling in such society, our young men may acquire a fund of information, which may be of great value to them in after life.
Though I knew Colonel Benton personally well and knew him to be a man of kind feelings towards his friends, and even towards many who are not friendly to him, yet, he is often represented as malignant and overbearing. It is not true, because at the bottom of his heart there is a great deal of good feeling. He cannot always suppress the exhibition of his better nature, even towards open and avowed political opponents. So of our senators, Tappan and Allen, the whigs of Ohio believe that these senators are their enemies, but I always found them very friendly to me, doing me many favors and no injury--quite the reverse. They have their own political creed, differing from mine in some respects, but they endeavor to serve their constituents when they come here, even if they are whigs.
Those who have been long in Congress can be much more useful to their constituents, than those who have had less experience. Understanding all the rules of proceeding, they know how to take advantage of circumstances, when to make a motion, and the exact moment when to oppose an opponent. They say less and more to the purpose. Young men are quite apt to be impetuous, hasty and rash, and thus often get overwhelmed by a more cool, deliberate member. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS is the hardest man to deal with in the House. Understanding all the rules of legislation, with a large store of information, he is sometimes sarcastic and witty, sometimes profound and those who attack him always come off second best. Of all the attacks on Mr. Adams this session, C. J. Ingersoll’s was the most unfortunate for the assailant. Mr. Wise related the whole of it to me in the library, immediately after the assault was made and the chastisement which Ingersoll got. Mr. Wise condemned C. J. Ingersoll, as every one else did, for his behaviour towards an aged, respectable man, whose public services, years learning and talents ought to command and do command the respect of all good men in the nation. Any member of Congress who respects himself, will always be treated with respect, because he deserves it. Any young man, who thinks to obtain any advantage by assailing Mr. Adams, will find himself to have made a false calculation.