Notwithstanding the strength of his opinions and the vigour with which he gave expression to them, he was not unpopular, even among his opponents.

He was always a gentleman and a man of the world; he did not dislike mixing with men of all classes and all parties; he had none of that stiffness and hauteur which many of his friends had acquired from their military pursuits.

His relations with his opponents are illustrated by an anecdote of which there are many versions.

He found himself one day while in the refreshment room standing side by side with d'Ester, one of the most extreme of the Republican party.

They fell into conversation, and d'Ester suggested that they should make a compact and, whichever party succeeded in the struggle for power, they should each agree to spare the other.