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Extract from James Madison to James Monroe, 29 Sept. 1796 [Quote]

Much however will necessarily depend on the approaching election I have not seen Jefferson and have thought it best to present him no opportunity of protesting to his friend against being embarked in the contest. Whether he will get a majority of vote is uncertain. I am be no...

Extract from John Adams to Uriah Forrest, 20 June 1797 [Quote]

I received yesterday your favor of the 23rd ... The paper inclosed in it is a serious thing. It will be a motive, in addition to many others, for me to be upon my guard. It is evidence of a mind, soured, yet seeking for popularity, and eaten to a honeycomb with ambition, yet weak, confused,...

Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by John Bernard [ca. 1797–1800] [Quote]

through the kindness of General Washington I was introduced to Mr. Jefferson, who proved one of my sincerest, though not most fortunate, friends ... In all the chief requisites of the social character Mr. Jefferson appeared to me to possess few equals. His heart was warmed with a love for the...

Extract about Thomas Jefferson, by Margaret Bayard Smith, [Dec. 1800] [Quote]

“And is this,” said I, after my first interview with Mr. Jefferson, “the violent democrat, the vulgar demagogue, the bold atheist and profligate man I have so often heard denounced by the federalists? Can this man so meek and mild, yet dignified in his manners, with a voice so soft and low, with...

Extract from the Autobiography of John Adams, [ca. 1802–1805] [Quote]

Mr Jefferson, had been now about a Year a Member of Congress, but had attended his Duty in the House but a very Small part of the time and when there had never Spoken in public: and during the whole Time I Satt with him in Congress, I never heard him utter three Sentences together. The most of a...

Extract from the Diary of John Quincy Adams, 16 Feb. 1807 [Quote]

The President was less cheerful in his manners than usual, but told some of his customary staring stories. Among the rest, he said that before he went from Virginia to France, he had some ripe pairs sewed up in tow bags, and that when he returned six years afterwards, he found them in a perfect...

Extract from the Diary of John Quincy Adams, 3 Nov. 1807 [Quote]

I mentioned to Mr Jefferson that the publishing Committee had a letter from him to the Earl of Buchan, sent by him to the Massachusetts Historical Society with a view to its publication–But the Committee thought it most consistent at least with delicacy to ascertain whether the publication would...

Extract from the Diary of Frances Few (Chrystie), [ca. 11 Oct.] 1808 [Quote]

I dined with the President–he is a tall thin man not very dignified in his appearance but very agreeable in his manners–his face expresses great good humour–there is scarce a wrinkle on his brow–he seems very happy–he wears powder but it is evident that his hair is red ... his face is short and...