146                           MB CALHOUN.
bristly hair, which rises very high above his forehead. In conversation he is pleasant, and remarkably free from that dogmatism which constitutes not the least of the social sins of Americans. Mr Calhoun evidently disregards all graces of expression, and whatever be the subject of discussion, comes directly to the point. His manner and mode of speaking indicate rapidity of thought, and it struck me, that, with full confidence in his own high talents, Mr Calhoun would probably find it more agreeable to carry truth by a coup de main, than to await the glower process of deliberate induction. It is evident, indeed, at the first glance, that the Vice-President is no ordinary person. His mind is bold and acute ; his talent for business confessedly of the first order; and enjoying the esteem of his countrymen, there can be little doubt that he is yet destined to play a conspicuous part in the politics of the Union.
Mr Edward Livingstone, then Senator for Louisiana, shortly after my departure from Washington, became Secretary of State. Bred to the New Yo* bar, he early took his station in the very first line <A his profession.    As a philosophical lawyer, he stands