In his retirement, Bill Abbot very generously helped me with my GW research on the very sensitive subject of slavery. When I came across some puzzling documents that did not reflect well on GW, I was advised that Bill might be the person who could explain them. With trepidation, knowing he was a scholar of the old school, I sent him the material; and he immediately responded with an invitation to discuss the matter over lunch. We had what the diplomats call a "full and frank" discussion. I was impressed not only by his profound knowledge of Washington but by his open-mindedness. He was not at all reluctant to discuss matters that others of his generation had put in the closet. A great scholar, a great loss. Henry Wiencek ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html