On the record
He flung aside the suggestion of supreme power, not simply as dishonorable and unpatriotic, but because such a result would have defeated the one great and noble object at which he aimed.
Said by
Henry Cabot Lodge
Source
gutenberg.orgHenry Cabot Lodge: “He flung aside the suggestion of supreme power, not simply as dishonorable and unpatriotic, but because such a result…”
Editor's note · Context
Lodge admires Washington's rejection of supreme power as a means to achieve his noble goals.
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To put aside a crown for love of country is noble, but to look down upon such an opportunity indicates a much greater loftiness and strength of mind.
After stating plainly that the army was on the verge of dissolution, he said: "To me it will appear miraculous if our affairs can maintain themselves much longer in their present train.
However, although they seem to have little feeling for the naked and distressed soldiers, I feel superabundantly for them, and from my soul I pity those miseries which it is neither in my power to relieve or prevent.
The vulgar hatred of wealth found no place in his heart.