Extract from Thomas Jefferson to Thomas C. Flournoy

you probably do not know mr Madison personally, or at least intimately as I do. I have known him from 1779. when he first came into the public councils; and from three & thirty years trial, I can say conscientiously that I do not know in the world a man of purer integrity, more dispassionate, disinterested, & devoted to genuine republicanism; nor could I, in the whole scope of America & Europe point out an abler head ... what man can do will be done by mr Madison.

PoC (DLC). Published in PTJRS, 5:368–9.