In the next place, it is proper to consider the personal character of General Taylor, and his political opinions, relations, and connections, so far as they are known.  In advancing to a few observations on this part of the case, I wish everybody to understand that I have no personal acquaintance whatever with General Taylor.  I never saw him but once, and that but for a few moments in the Senate.  The sources of information are open to you, as well as to me, from which I derive what I know of his character and opinions.  But I have endeavored to obtain access to those sources.  I have endeavored to inform and instruct myself by communication with those who have known him in his profession as a soldier, in his associations as a man, in his conversations and opinions on political subjects; and I will tell you frankly what I think of him, according to the best lights which I have been able to obtain.

I need not say, that he is a skilful, brave, and gallant soldier.  That is admitted by all.  With me, all that goes but very little way to make out the proper qualifications for President of the United States.  But what is more important, I believe that he is an entirely honest and upright man.  I believe that he is modest, clear-headed, of independent and manly character, possessing a mind trained by proper discipline and self-control.  I believe that he is estimable and amiable in all the relations of private life.  I believe that he possesses a reputation for equity and fair judgment, which gives him an influence over those under his command beyond what is conferred by the authority of station.  I believe that he is a man possessing the confidence and attachment of all who have been near him and know him.  And I believe, that, if elected President, he will do his best to relieve the country from present evils, and guard it against future dangers.  So much for what I think of the personal character of General Taylor.

I will say, too, that, so far as I have observed, his conduct since he has been a candidate for the office of President has been irreproachable.  I hear no intrigue imputed to him, no contumelious treatment of rivals.  I do not find him making promises or holding out hopes to any men or any party.  I do not find him putting forth any pretensions of his own, and therefore I think of him very much as he seems to think of himself, that he is an honest man, of an independent mind and of upright intentions.  And as for the subject of his qualifications for the Presidency, he has himself nothing to say about it.

And now, friends and fellow-townsmen, with respect to his political opinions and relations, I can say at once, that I believe him to be a Whig; I believe him to hold to the main doctrines of the Whig party.  To think otherwise would be to impute to him a degree of tergiversation and fraudulent deception of which I suppose him to be entirely incapable.