His conduct at the time of the Revolution had given the world a high opinion, not merely of his patriotism, but of his courage, energy and decision.

It should seem, however, that youthful enthusiasm and the exhilaration produced by public sympathy and applause had, on that occasion, raised him above himself.

Scarcely any other part of his life was of a piece with that splendid commencement.

He had hardly become Secretary of State when it appeared that his nerves were too weak for such a post.

The daily toil, the heavy responsibility, the failures, the mortifications, the obloquy, which are inseparable from power, broke his spirit, soured his temper, and impaired his health.