Washington was a man of exceptional, almost excessive self-command, rarely permitting himself any show of discouragement or despair.

I feel that as much as I enjoy loafing, there is something higher for which to live.

My shorthand answer is that I try to write the kind of book that I would like to read. If I can make it clear and interesting and compelling to me, then I hope maybe it will be for the reader.

You've got to marinate your head, in that time and culture. You've got to become them." (Speaking about researching, and reading, and immersing yourself in History)

Housetops were covered with 'gazers'; all wharves that offered a view were jammed with people ... As British officers happily reminded one another, it was the largest fleet ever seen in American waters. In fact it was the largest expeditionary force of the 18th century, the largest, most powerful force ever sent forth by Britain or any other nation.

It was an utterly phenomenal achievement.

I just thank my father and mother, my lucky stars, that I had the advantage of an education in the humanities.