Extract from Jared Sparks’s Account of a Visit to Monticello
| [19–20 Aug. 1820] |
But one of the greatest curiosities I met with was Thomas Jefferson. Whether you will call this a natural or an artificial curiosity, I am puzzled to know. At all events, I went to see him at the exhibition-house at Monticello, up a long hill, which is almost daily trod by many a weary pilgrim’s foot. I was very kindly received and politely treated; and I think there are very few persons who would not feel inclined to say at once, that this is no common man. He bears the marks of age, but his mind is vigorous, excursive, and quick. His college is no less curious than himself. It consists of twelve large buildings, and many smaller ones, and together they form incomparably the most beautiful specimens of architecture in this country.