Abigail Adams to John Adams: I was struck with General Washington. You had prepaired me to entertain a favorable opinion of him, but I...

There is a splendid, if unsubstantiated, story about Hamilton and Morris at the convention that rings true and conveys Morris's ironic, self-assured style. Hamilton and Morris were discussing how Washington signaled to people that they should maintain a respectful distance and not behave too familiarly with him. Hamilton wagered Morris that he would not dare to accost Washington with a friendly slap on the back. Taking up the challenge, Morris found Washington standing by the

But then there was never any mistaking the impeccably uniformed, commanding figure of Washington, who looked always as if on parade.