Extract from John Edwards Caldwell’s A Tour through Part of Virginia in the Summer of 1808
Mr. Jefferson is very regular and temperate in his mode of living; he retires to his chamber about nine o’clock, and rises before the sun, both in summer and winter ... Until breakfast (which is early) he is employed in writing, after that he generally visits his work-shops, labourers, &c. and then, until 12 o’clock, he is engaged in his study, either in drawing, writing or reading; he then rides over his plantation, returns at two, dresses for dinner and joins his company; he retires from table soon after the cloth is removed, and spends the evening in walking about, reading the papers and in conversation with such guests as may be with him. His disposition is truly amiable, easy of access, quick and ready in the dispatch of business, and so condescending and naturally pleasing in his manners and address, that no person, at all acquainted with him, can feel in his presence perplexity or embarrassment. Mr. Jefferson is seen to less advantage at the seat of government, than at this, his favourite residence ...