of all the persons I have known, Mr. Jefferson appears to owe most to the manner of his intercourse with mankind, there is nothing more fascinating about him than the appearance of perfect candour. He is much more of a courtier than I can ever be, with every aspect of the most unconcerned...

I regret being forced to begin this letter with an apology and know not how I can do so otherwise—hurry and want of time are such trite and I must say generally such false excuses on these occasions, that however justifiably I might plead them in my own behalf at present, I detest having...

That arch-demagogue Jefferson once preached with exquisite emotion and effect against “domiciliary taxation,” and now under his pious successors, we have it with a vengeance. Villiany & hypocrisy thy name is patriotism and Economy!

Your Mama is still staying with your aunt Baker—The mail when I passed Raines yesterday in returning here had not got in—Your uncle Baker has been kind enough to send up today but even if I get a letter from you there will be no chance of sending an answer by this mail. Jefferson came to our...

I have this moment recieved your letter of the 11th of Jan: I hasten to assure you, that, though your friends have not written often, they have not neglected you so entirely as you have reason to think. Uncle Dabney, Mr. Gilmer, Nancy Carr have written. Your friend Madison I know has written, for...

“On Monday last, our court day in Charlottesville, we were gratified in seeing together, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Madison and Mr. Monroe, the three most illustrious men of Virginia, and successive Presidents of the U. States. The presence of these gentlemen, two of whom have filled with distinguished...

You say I must go to writing history. while in public life, I had not time: and now that I am retired, I am past the time. to write history requires a whole life of observation, of enquiry, of labor and correction. it’s materials are not to be found among the ruins of a decayed memory. at this...

ignorance & bigotry, like other insanities, are incapable of self-government.

you will have learnt that an act for internal improvement, after passing both houses, was negatived by the President. the act was founded avowedly on the principle that the phrase in the constitution which authorises Congress ‘to lay taxes to pay the debts and provide for the general welfare’ was...

I have much confidence that we shall proceed successfully for ages to come; and that .. it will be seen that the larger the extent of country, the more firm it’s republican structure, if founded, not on conquest, but in principles of compact & equality. my hope of it’s duration is built much...

Be assured My much valued and dear friend that your letter was most welcome to my heart, for I had almost despaird of ever having the pleasure to recieve another letter from you I shou’d not have been cerimonious and concluded to give you once more some proof of my remembrance, had not I felt...

I have this day drawn on you for seven hundred dollars payable to Benjn Perkins or order as a part of a draught which I hold drawn on you by Alexander Garrett for $1200 payable on the first of August 1817. as the first payment for a parcel of negroes which I bought in payments of f one fourth...