Extracts from Thomas Jefferson to Jean Nicolas Démeunier

but I think I have observed that your countrymen who have been obliged to work out their own fortunes here, have succeeded best with a small farm. labour indeed is dear here, but rents are low, and on the whole a reasonable profit & comfortable subsistance results. it is at the same time the most tranquil, healthy, & independant. and since you have been pleased to ask my opinion as to the best way of employing yourself till you can draw funds from France or return there yourself, I do presume that this is the business which would yeild the most happiness & contentment to one of your philosophic turn.

PrC (DLC). Published in PTJ, 28:340–2.