he reputation of being
successful by full preparation and a thorough knowledge of the
facts and law of the case. In addressing a jury I rarely attempted
flights of oratory, and when I did attempt them I failed. I soon
learned that it was better to gain the confidence of a jury by
plain talk than by rhetoric. Subsequently in public life I preserved
a like course, and once, though I was advised by Governor Chase to
add a peroration to my argument, I did not follow his advice.
While I defended many persons for alleged crimes I never but once
prosecuted a criminal. My old friend, Mr. Kirkwood, was the
prosecuting attorney of the county, and I renewed with him my "moot
court" experience in frequent contests between real parties.

During this period I became a member of the order of Odd Fellows
in Mansfield. I took an active interest in the order, and was at
one time Noble Grand of the lodge. I have continued every since
to pay my dues, but have not been able to attend the meetings
regularly for some years. I have always thought, without any
reference to its supposed secrecy, that it is an association of
great value, especially in bringing young men under good social
influences with men of respectable character and standing.

Among the political incidents of this period I recall the excitement
that grew out of the Mexican War. The general feeling among all
classes, and the universal feeling among the Whigs was, that the
Mexican War was purposely and unjustly entered upon to extend the
institution of slavery. There is, now, no doubt that such was the
object of the war. After the battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de
la Palma a call was made upon the people of Ohio for two regiments
of volunteers. These were raised without much difficulty, one
being placed under the command of Col. Thomas L. Hamer, the other
under my old commander, Col. Samuel R. Curtis. I was somewhat
tempted to enter the service, though I did not believe in the
justice of the war. My old friend, Gen. McLaughlin, raised a
company in Mansfield, and my comrade on the Muskingum Improvement,
James M. Love, raised one in Coschocton, and Col. Curtis was to
command the regiment. My brother, William Tecumseh, then captain
in the regular army, was eager to go into the war. He had been
stationed at Pittsburg, on recruiting service, but during the
excitement visited us at Mansfield, and chafed over the delay of
orders to join the troops, then under General