Chapter 10 Political Morality (1862) Summary

Adams is almost promoted to Assistant Secretary, an official position. As a son, as well as a member of the Legation, he is more useful without a regular official position because he is able to act independently. At the same time, Seward begins attempting to strengthen the Legation. One of the new arrivals is Thurlow Weed. Adams likes him, and considers him a complete American education in himself. Unselfish and a good politician, Weed plays with political appointments, office seekers and allies like cards, managing to impartially delegate positions and power to create the best outcome, which impresses Adams, who had begun to consider all politicians as dishonest. William M. Evarts is another addition, coming as legal counsel and providing a certain moral authority: "The world can absorb only doses of truth. Too much would kill it."

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