An example of why I love the book I’m reading:

There have been some differences among the authorities on the question of James McHenry’s competence as Secretary of War. The most recent judgment appears to be that his performance was not as bad as has been claimed, though of course such words if carved in marble would do little to immortalize anyone.

And this too about McHenry:

Distinction on his own independent merits was a thing always a step or two beyond him, and one of the many attractive traits of his character was the grace with which he seems to have understood this. Insidership was thus a fully acceptable, and indeed indispensable, functional substitute.

I love this book.
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