Perhaps the most curious single specimen—or, at least, the most characteristic of the man and expressive of his hatred of royalty—was a collection which he had bound up in six volumes, and lettered “The Book of Kings,” consisting of the “Memoires de la Princesse de Bareith,” two volumes; “Les...

We left Charlottesville on Saturday morning, the 4th of February, for Mr. Jefferson’s. He lives, you know, on a mountain, which he has named Monticello ... The ascent of this steep, savage hill, was as pensive and slow as Satan’s ascent to Paradise. We were obliged to wind two thirds round its...

I wrote to Mr Eppes a few days ago requesting him to call on you and read the packet which I took the liberty of forwarding, to your care, last week. By this day’s mail I send (in three packages) a copy of my...

the cement of this union is in the heart blood of every American. I do not believe there is on earth a government established on so immovable a basis.

a more faithful, sober, discreet, honest and respectable man I have never known.

Early in 1790 I derived an exalted opinion of Mr Giles from an estimable young man by the name of Harrison. At different times I heard of Mr Giles defending me amid the fury of Enemies, not for my sake, because indeed our acquaintance was too slight, but in a way which evinced much benevolence of...

I have no idea of selling the land. I view it in some degree as a public trust, and would on no consideration permit the bridge to be injured, defaced or masked from the public view

you will find me in habitual good health, great contentedness, enfeebled in body, impaired in memory, but without decay in my friendships.

As to what is to be said of myself, I of course am not the judge. but my sincere wish is that the faithful historian, like the able Surgeon, would consider me in his hands, while living, as a dead subject: that the same judgment may now be expressed which will be rendered hereafter, so far as my...

I have been so much occupied in the election that I have not had an opportunity of writing to you for some time in consequence of being from home on Tues day the post day—all the elections taking place on Mon day—Randolph has gained the election by 91. 61. votes—It has been produced in part by...

I believe it is better My Dear Mrs. Trist to let you take my apologies for granted, than to engross a page of the few letters I do write with so uninteresting a subject; and really I could say nothing that ought to excuse a silence of two years. I have been sincerely...

I cannot live without books.