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A famous American orator and statesman; born at Dedham, Mass., April 9, 1758; died there, July 4, 1808. Admitted to the bar in 1781, he became a Member of Congress in 1789, where he gained a national reputation by his oratory. Two of his finest efforts were in support of John Jay's treaty with Great Britain, and a eulogy on Washington before the Massachusetts Legislature. He was elected president of Harvard College in 1804, but declined. A brilliant talker, he was distinguished in conversation for wit and imagination, while his character was spotless. His works consist of orations, essays, and letters, 2 vols., 1854.