Gouverneur Morris

"A plainspoken, racy patrician who distrusted democracy but opposed slavery and championed civil liberties for all, a significant player in the American Revolution, later an astute critic of the French Revolution, Gouverneur Morris remains an enigma among the founding generation. This biography tells his robust story, including his celebrated love affairs during his ten years in Europe." "Morris's public record is astonishing. One of the leading figures of the national Constitutional Convention in 1787, he put the Constitution in its final version, including its opening Preamble beginning "We the People of the United States." As Washington's first minister to Paris, he became America's most effective representative in France and was the only diplomat to remain at his post through the Terror. A successful international entrepreneur, he understood the dynamics of commerce in the modern world. His remarkable grasp of public finance enabled him to draft the charter of the first national bank in America, and he became a partner of Robert Morris in managing the office of finance to pay for the Revolution. Frankly cosmopolitan, he embraced city life as a creative center of civilization and had a central role in the building of the Erie Canal and in laying out the city plan of Manhattan." "William Howard Adams describes Morris's many contributions and talents, his sophistication, and his wit, as well as his romantic liaisons, free habits, and free speech. He brings to life a fascinating man of great stature, a founding father who receives his due at last."--Jacket.