He was private secretary to Lincoln during the Civil War, he had as his most intimate friend in later life Henry Adams, the historian, who lived immersed in the memories and traditions of a family which has taken a distinguished part in the Government of the United States from its beginning.
Possessed of an ample fortune, Hay had lived much abroad and in the society of the men who governed Europe.

He was experienced in newspaper work and in diplomacy, and he came to be Secretary of State fresh from a residence in England where as Ambassador he had enjoyed wide popularity.
With a lively wit and an engaging charm of manner, he combined a knowledge of international law and of history which few of our Secretaries have possessed.

Moreover he knew men and how to handle them.

Until the death of McKinley in 1901 he was left almost free in the administration of his office.

He once said that the President spoke to him of his office scarcely once a month.