His keenest critic remarked that in the tentative period of political issues assumed by his party, Mr.
Buchanan could always be found two paces to the rear, but in the hour of triumph he marched proudly in the front rank.

He was not gifted with independence or self-assertion.

His bearing towards Southern statesmen was derogatory to him as a man of spirit.

His tone towards administrations of his own party was so deferential as almost to imply a lack of self-respect.

He was not a leader among men.