Extract from the Autobiography of John Adams, April–August 1776 [Quote]
Mr Jefferson had the Reputation of a masterly Pen.
Showing 1 - 25 of 155 results
Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by the Marquis de Chastellux [13 Apr. 1782] [Quote]
Let me then describe to you a man, not yet forty, tall, and with a mild and pleasing countenance, but whose mind and knowledge could serve in lieu of all outward graces; an American, who, without ever having quitted his own country, is Musician, Draftsman, Geometrician, Astronomer, Natural...
Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by the Marquis de Chastellux [15–16 Apr. 1782] [Quote]
The visit which I made to him was not unexpected, for he had long since invited me to come and spend a few days in his company, that is, amid the mountains. Nevertheless I at first found his manner grave and even cold; but I had no sooner spent two hours with him than I felt as if we had spent...
Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by the Marquis de Chastellux [15–16 Apr. 1782] [Quote]
for we may safely aver, that Mr. Jefferson is the first American who has consulted the fine arts to know how he should shelter himself from the weather.
Extract from the Diary of Ezra Stiles, [8 June 1784] [Quote]
The Governor is a most ingenuous Naturalist and Philosopher, a truly scientific and learned Man, and every way excellent.
Extract from John Adams to James Warren, 27 Aug. 1784 [Quote]
He is an old Friend with whom I have often had Occasion to labour at many a knotty Problem, and in whose Abilities and Steadiness I always found great Cause to confide.
Extract from John Adams to Arthur Lee, 31 Jan. 1785 [Quote]
My new Partner, is an old Friend and Co-adjutor, whose Character I Studied, nine or ten Years ago, and which I do not perceive to be altered. The Same industry, Integrity, and Talents remain without diminution. I am very happy in him but whether We Shall be able to accomplish any Thing here, I...
Extract from the Diary of John Quincy Adams, 16 Feb. 1785 [Quote]
Mr Jefferson’s. a man of universal learning & very pleasing manners.
Extract from the Diary of John Quincy Adams, 11 Mar. 1785 [Quote]
Spent the evening with Mr Jefferson, whom I love to be with, because he is a man of very extensive learning, and pleasing manners.
Extract from Abigail Adams to Mary Smith Cranch, 8 May 1785 [Quote]
I shall realy regreet to leave Mr. Jefferson, he is one of the choice ones of the Earth.
Extract from John Adams to Henry Knox, 15 Dec. 1785 [Quote]
You can Scarcely have heard a Character too high of my Friend and Colleague Mr. Jefferson, either in point of Power or Virtues. My Fellow Labourer in Congress, eight or nine years ago, upon many arduous Tryals, particularly in the draught of our Declaration of Independence and in the formation of...
Extract from Lafayette to George Washington, 26 Oct. 1786 [Quote]
Mr jefferson is a Most able and Respected Representative, and Such a Man as Makes me Happy to Be His Aid de Camp—Congress Have Made a choice Very favourable to their affairs.
Extract from Lafayette to George Washington, 1 Jan. 1788 [Quote]
I am More and More pleased with Mr jefferson. His abilities, His Virtues, His temper, Every thing of Him Commands Respect and Attracts Attention. He Enjoys Universal Regard, and does the Affairs of America to perfection it is the
Happiest choice that Could Be Made.
Extract from Thomas Lee Shippen to William Shippen, 14 Feb.–26 Mar. 1788 [Quote]
Mr. Jefferson is in my opinion without exeption the wisest and most amiable man I have seen in Europe.
Extract from Lafayette to George Washington, 25 May 1788 [Quote]
Nothing Can Excell M. jefferson’s abilities, virtues, pleasing temper, and Every thing in Him that Constitutes the Great States man, zealous Citizen, and Amiable friend.
Extract from the Diary of Nathaniel Cutting, 28 Sept.–12 Oct. 1789 [Quote]
I have found Mr. Jefferson a man of infinite information and sound Judgement, becoming gravity, and engaging affability mark his deportment. His general abilities are such as would do honor to any age or Country.
Extract from the Journal of William Maclay, 24 May 1790 [Quote]
Jefferson is a slender man; has rather the air of stiffness in his manner; his clothes seem too small for him; he sits in a lounging manner, on one hip commonly, and with one of his shoulders elevated much above the other; his face has a sunny aspect; his whole figure has a loose, shackling air....
Extract from the Journal of William Maclay, 28 June 1790 [Quote]
Jefferson transgresses on the extreme of stiff gentility or lofty gravity.
Extract from Alexander Hamilton to John Steele, 15 Oct. 1792 [Quote]
There was a time when I should have ballanced between Mr. Jefferson & Mr. Adams; but I now view the former as a man of sublimated & paradoxical imagination—cherishing notions incompatible with regular and firm government.
Extract from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 3 Feb. 1793 [Quote]
Fryday night I Spent with the Philosophical society. The Meeting was thin: but I was not able to perceive any great superiority to our Academy, except in the President. There are able Men however, and I was agreably entertained. Mr Jefferson was polite enough to accompany me: so you see We are...
Extract from John Adams to Abigail Adams, 6 Jan. 1794 [Quote]
Jefferson went off Yesterday, and a good riddance of bad ware. I hope his Temper will be more cool and his Principles more reasonable in Retirement than they have been in office. I am almost tempted...
Extract from La Rochefoucauld–Liancourt’s Travels through the United States of America, [ca. 1795–1796] [Quote]
The apartments will be large and convenient; the decoration, both outside and inside, simple, yet regular and elegant.
Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by the Duc de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt [22–29 June 1796] [Quote]
In private life Mr. Jefferson displays a mild, easy and obliging temper, though he is somewhat cold and reserved. His conversation is of the most agreeable kind, and he possesses a stock of information not inferior to that of any other man.
Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by the Duc de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt [22–29 June 1796] [Quote]
His negroes are nourished, clothed, and treated as well as white servants could be. As he cannot expect any assistance from the two small neighbouring towns, every article is made on his farm; his negroes are cabinet-makers, carpenters, masons, bricklayers, smiths, &c. The children he employs...
Extract from Benjamin Rush to James Currie, 26 July 1796 [Quote]
It is expected that Mr. Washington will retire next fall. If so, the contest for his successor will be between Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson. The former is devoted to monarchy in all its forms and consequences. The latter is a pure republican, enlightened at the same time in chemistry, natural...