Note 1203 — Chapter X
Reading edition
Again, Randolph's speech was marred by the note of personal explanation that pervaded it. "The rectitude of my intentions"; "ambition and popularity are no objects with me"; "I expect, in the course of a year, to retire to that private station which I most sincerely and cordially prefer to all others,"—such expressions gave to his otherwise aggressive and very able appeal a defensive tone.