Extract from the Autobiography of John Adams

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 Speech he ever made in my hearing was a gross insult on Religion, in one or two Sentences, for which I gave him immediately the Reprehension, which he richly merited ... Mr. Jefferson had the Reputation of a masterly Pen.

MS (MHi: Adams Family Papers).
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January 1, 1802 to December 31, 1807
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