We know what the compromises finally were, and how they were brought about, but we can never do exact justice to the iron will which held men together when all compromises seemed impossible, and which even in the darkest hour would not wholly despair.
Lodge emphasizes the remarkable leadership that maintained unity among delegates during the challenging moments of the Constitutional Convention.
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No man of that time, with the exception of Hamilton, ever grasped and realized as he did the imperial future which stretched before the United States.
He had that entire simplicity of manners and modes of life which is the crowning result of the highest culture and the finest nature.
It showed that America had demonstrated to Europe that she could win independence, and it had been proved to the traditional enemy of England that the time had come when it would be profitable to help the revolted colonies.
All that can be said is, that without the influence and the labors of Washington the convention of 1787, in all probability, would have failed of success.