it would be a great satisfaction to me ... to have the enjoiment of family society for a few days undisturbed. nothing can repay me the loss of that society, the only one founded in affection and bosom confidence ... it is in the love of one’s family only that heartfelt happiness is known. I feel...

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...

he is easy of access, & conversed with great ease & freedom.

This is merely to...

I observe that the resolution of the legislature of Virginia, of Jan. 23. in desiring us to look out for some proper place to which insurgent negroes may be sent, expresses a preference of the continent of Africa, or some of the Spanish or Portuguese settlements in S. America: in which preference...

if we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

there is no constitutional difficulty as to the acquisition of territory: and whether, when acquired, it may be taken into the union by the const. as it now stands, will become a question of expediency.

mr Madison’s friendship & mine to you being so well known the public will have eagle eyes to watch if we grant you any indulgencies out of the general rule; and on the other hand, the example set in your case will be more cogent on future ones, and produce greater approbation to our conduct....

every son of science feels a strong & disinterested desire of promoting it in every part of the earth

My blessings to your little ones, love to you all, and friendly how d-ye’s to my good neighbors.

Jesus embraced, with charity & philanthropy, our neighbors, our countrymen, & the whole family of mankind.

The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri river, & such principal stream of it, as, by it’s course & communication with the waters of the Pacific ocean, may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent, for the purposes of commerce.