To the extent that one can attribute the making of America to individuals, we are able to say that this country's evolution, the development of large corporations and industries, the growth of some states of the Union, and the founding of one of the principle political parties, can be attributed to several brothers of one family from the State of Maine, named Washburn. In
Impassioned Brothers
, Theodore Webb tells the story of two members of this family, Charles Washburn and Elihu Washburne. Charles Washburn became widely known as editor and owner of the
San Francisco Daily Times
, was author of fiction and non-fiction books, and served as Ambassador to Paraguay during the reign of one of the country's most cruel dictators, barely making it out alive. Elihu Washburne was Father of the House, Secretary of State, Ambassador to France, author of books, and maker of Presidents.