You have overburdened your argument with ostentatious erudition.

There are no people on earth in whom a spirit of enthusiastic zeal is so readily kindled, and burns so remarkably, as Americans

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

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.

The past after all is only another name for someone else's present.

I'm absolutely positive it's in our human nature to want to know about the past. The two most popular movies of all time, while not historically accurate, are about core historic events: 'Gone With the Wind' and 'Titanic.'

Read somewhat in the English poets every day. You will find them elegant, entertaining and constructive companions through your whole life.