John P. Kaminski

This is a hidden gem of a book.

I just finished George Clinton: Yeoman Politician of the New Republic by John P. Kaminski. I came upon the book quite by accident at a public library, one of the few that is actually open for browsing post-pandemic, when I was searching for another book. Though I am a history buff I had heard little about George Clinton.

I pre-read a section about Vermont's formation of an independent republic, one that lasted from 1777 to 1791. Vermont's secession from New York (actually it was claimed by New York and New Hampshire, and there was some contention involvement from Massachusetts) was vigorously opposed by George Clinton, then governor. I decided, on a whim, to take the book out.

Sometimes, a book surprises you. I'd never really focused on George Clinton's role other than his cameo appearance in Ron Chernow's Hamilton, as an opponent of ratification of the constitution. Eventually, George Clinton acquiesced, as a result of the incipient adoption of the amendments that became the Bill of Rights. He was intelligent and skillful enough not to frontally or totally oppose the Constitution. Something like the Constitution was apparently inevitable in view of the implosion of the Articles of Confederation.

The Founding Fathers were quite an illustrious group of people, and some of them have become famous. I suspect that George Clinton was quite famous in his times. His fame has not really survived. His name is not a whole household word to elementary school students in way that George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Jay and/or Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr (the latter two being "duel citizens). The book works better as a setting for description of a period of time that as a story of his life. His life, put bluntly, was not thrilling the way Washington's or Hamilton's was.

There will never be a Broadway show called "George Clinton" even if Broadway reopens from the pandemic. Still it earns a solid "four stars" on Goodreads.… (meer)

“Alexander Hamilton: From Obscurity to Greatness” presents its subject through his own words and those of his contemporaries.

The introduction is a brief story of its subject’s incredible trek from a West Indian “bastard brat of a Scottish peddler” (John Adams) to the threshold of the pinnacle of power in the new United Sates. The first section consists of descriptions of Hamilton from those who knew him personally, the second is Hamilton’s thoughts on the men with whom he dealt and the final is a collection of Hamilton’s Emblematic Quotations.

Hamilton’s status as a controversial figure is reflected in assessments of him by others. In the mind of his mentor, George Washington, “my confidence in your talents, exertions and integrity, has been well placed.” (p. 46-47) In a letter from Joseph Stanton Hamilton is “Possessed of a contemplative, comprehensive, energetic, independent Mind, he unites the strictest Integrity to the most indefatigable Industry on which all occasions he incessantly applies to the Service of the Public. Prudent, active yet deliberate, Studious, firm and candid…” (p. 32)

Others are equivocal, such as John Adams who could write that “The Secretary of the Treasure is all that you think of him. There is no office in the Government better filled” (p.31) and yet “He may have too much disposition to intrigue.” (p. 28) Thomas Jefferson was skeptical: “A man as timid as he is on water, as timid on horseback, as timid in sickness, would be a ph’nomenon if the courage of which he has the reputation in military occasions were genuine.” (p. 37)

Hamilton drew contrasts between his hero and lesser mortals: “Very different from the practice of Mr. Adams was that of the modest and sage Washington. He consulted much pondered much, resolved slowly, resolved surely.” (p. 154) Though in 1792 “Mr. Adams, whatever objections may be against some of his theoretic opinions, is a firm honest independent politician” by 1800 “The man is more mad than I ever thought him and I shall soon be led to say as wicked as he is mad.” (p. 86) Aaron Burr “is as unprincipled & dangerous a man as any country can boast.” (p. 93)

Emblematic Quotations contain wisdom derived from Hamilton’s letters and speeches. They shine a light into a contradicted soul, “My religious and moral principles are strongly opposed to the practice of dueling” (p. 180), insights into human nature “Bad men are apt to paint others like themselves” (p.166) and uncover gems of wisdom, “Experience more and more convinces me that true happiness is only to be found in the bosom of one’s own family.” (p.180)
“Alexander Hamilton: From Obscurity to Greatness” is another masterpiece in John P. Kaminski’s series Word Portraits of America’s Founders. It takes the reader into the world of the founding generation through their letters, speeches and publications. Kaminski has done an excellent job of selecting representative quotations to bring Hamilton and his milieu to life. I have just given you a brief sampling of the treasures to be found in this tome. I did not even mention my favorite, maybe because it is too long to quote, but really because I want you to find your own.

I did receive a free copy of this book without any obligation to post a review.… (meer)

I have read several books about George Washington but “George Washington: A Man of Action” presents its subject through his own words and those of his contemporaries.

The first section consists of descriptions of Washington from those who knew him personally, the second is Washington’s thoughts on the men with whom he dealt, the third is Washington’s “110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior” and the final is a collection of Washington’s Emblematic Quotations.

His acquaintances generally praised Washington in favorable terms such as “the very idol of his country” (p. 22), “one of the best men since the creation of Adam” (p. 22) and “the greatest Man on Earth” (p.32). Ohers are critical such as Jonathan Dickinson’s 1777 lament of the of the lives and property “sacrificed to the insufficiency of our Commander in Chief” p.11). Thomas Jefferson’s 1818 observation that, at the time of Jefferson’s withdrawal from the cabinet Washington was held by the federalists and “his memory was already sensibly impaired by age…mind, for which he had been remarkable, was beginning to relax, its energy abated; a listlessness of labor, a desire for tranquility had crept on him and a willingness to let others act and even think for him” (p. 107) is a contrast to other assessments. A seemingly modern spirited critique charged him with “the crime of being a slaveholder” (p. 103).

The second section is a resource for anyone studying other revolutionary and early Constitutional Era figures. The reader is introduced to a Washington who gave recommendations for officers, who complimented the deserving but remembered those who failed or crossed him. This section not only reflects on many characters but also shines a light into Washington’s own soul.

Do not miss the proverbial 110 Rules that still provide a standard against which to measure our own conduct.

Emblematic Quotations contain wisdom derived from Washington’s letters and speeches. They give insights into his impression of Daniel Shays, (who led a rebellion) (p. 150), his encouragement of Lafayette’s plan to buy and free slaves (p. 134, 240-241), and his thoughts at his retirements in 1759, 1784 and 1797. His advice on close friendships, the avoidance of disagreements rather than the removal of discontents and gossip are sparkling gems.

“George Washington: A Man of Action” stimulates and inspires the mind. It is a book to read, to ponder and to keep handy as a reference.

I did receive a free copy of this book without an obligation to post a review.… (meer)

Rather strongly pro-Clinton biography of a major figure --7 time governor of New York, leading Ant-Federalist/Jeffersnian Republican --candidate for vice president against John Adams in the first seriously contested national election, US Vice President under Jefferson (replacing Burr) and Madison. Kaminski sometimes seems to be reading Clinton's mind based on rather thin evidence --many of his papers were lost in a fire in 1911.
However, it does provide some useful balance to heavily pro-Federalist versions such as The Eleventh Pillar (on New York's ratification of the Constitution).… (meer)