The Life of John Lothrop Motley

Book excerpt: The life of John Lothrop Motley is a subject that has been too long ignored by biographers. Certainly, he is one of our most distinguished authors and, in the opinion of this writer, he can be fairly ranked in eminence to the historian of the Mexican Conquest, William H. Pres cott. To a large extent, Motley's adult life revolved around some of the most important and curious scenes of American history, particularly the Civil War. During this time he held the post of an Ambassador of the United States, and, by his individual efforts, aided substantially the Federal war effort. It is chiefly, however, as an Historian that Motley deserves to be recommended to the attention of the public. Motley's theme was the struggle for national and individual human liberty, which, as he conceived it, was the greatest of human blessings. The story of The Rise of The Dutch Republic, against one of the greatest tyrannies, both political and religious, ever exercised by men over men, is not only one the great stories of history, but reflects perfectly Motley's own high of aspirations for his fellow-man.