Although in the circle of his friends, where he might be unreserved with safety, he took a free share in conversation his colloquial talents were not above mediocrity, possessing neither copiousness of ideas, nor fluency of words. In public, when called on for a sudden opinion, he was unready, short and embarrassed.

Year: 1814
Context: Letter to Dr. Walter Jones
Shortlink: http://fq1.us/77

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