He still remained one of the people, rough almost to insolence, direct in speech, intolerant in his opinions, relying upon absolutely no one but himself; yet, with all this, of an astonishing degree of intelligence, and possessed of an executive ability little short of positive genius.

He was a ferocious worker, allowing himself no pleasures, and exacting the same degree of energy from all his subordinates.

He was widely hated, and as widely trusted.
Every one spoke of his crusty temper and bullying disposition, invariably qualifying the statement with a commendation of his resources and capabilities.

The devil of a driver, a hard man to get along with, obstinate, contrary, cantankerous; but brains! No doubt of that; brains to his boots.

One would like to see the man who could get ahead of him on a deal.