But, from the moment that he possessed ideas of his own, either true or false, on administrative subjects, he consulted no one;...

he treated everybody who differed from him in opinion contemptuously, tried to make them appear ridiculous, and often exclaimed, giving his forehead a slap, that here was an instrument far more useful than the counsels of men who were commonly supposed to be instructed and experienced...

For four years, he sought to gather around him the able men of both parties.

After this, the choice of his agents began to be indifferent to him.

Regarding himself as strong enough to rule and carry on the administration himself, the talents and character of those who stood in his way were discarded.