Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 1

"Reminiscences of Sixty Years in Public Affairs, Vol. 1" by George S. Boutwell is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work recounts the author’s extensive experiences in American politics and public service over six decades, detailing his observations and interactions with key figures and events that shaped the nation’s history. The narrative spans various notable positions held by Boutwell, including serving as the Governor of Massachusetts and as the Secretary of the Treasury. The opening of the book introduces Boutwell's motivations for penning his reminiscences and offers a glimpse into his early life. He reflects on his Pennsylvania roots, detailing anecdotes from his childhood, family background, and the socio-political environment he grew up in. Starting with his education and early experiences, Boutwell illustrates how these formative years prepared him for a life of public service, establishing a foundation for the political insights and historical reflections that will follow in his biography. The text captures not only his personal journey but also touches upon the societal changes that occurred throughout his lifetime, setting the stage for a deeper exploration into his significant political career. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Sewall Boutwell was an American politician, lawyer, and statesman from Massachusetts. He served as Secretary of the Treasury under U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, the 20th Governor of Massachusetts, a Senator and Representative from Massachusetts and the first Commissioner of Internal Revenue under President Abraham Lincoln. He was a leader in the impeachment of U.S. President Andrew Johnson, and served as a House manager (prosecutor) in the impeachment trial.