Margaret Bayard Smith's Account of a Visit to Monticello in 1809, as published within “The First Forty Years of Washington Society,” in 1906

In a visit Mr. J. made our little cottage last autumn, we were speaking of all the various charms of nature, storms of winter, “But,” said he, “you can here form no idea of a snow storm, No, to see it in all its grandeur you should stand at my back door; there we see its progress—rising over the...

Margaret Bayard Smith's Account of a Visit to Monticello in 1809, as published within "A Winter In Washington: or, Memoirs of the Seymour Family," in 1824

During the hot months of July, August, and September, there is a kind of interregnum in society, when pleasure and happiness are equally suspended. Mr. Seymour and his family generally passed this leisure season at Ballston Springs, or the sea-shore; but this year, wishing to vary the scene, they...

Extract from Margaret Bayard Smith's Account of a Visit to Monticello, [29 July–2 Aug. 1809] [Quote]

He afterwards took us to the drawing room, in the dome 26 or 7 feet diameter—It is a noble & beautiful apartment—perfectly round with 8 circular windows & a sky-light—It was not furnished, & being in the attic story, is not used.—which I thought a great pity, as it might be made the...

Extract from Margaret Bayard Smith’s Recollection of a Visit to Monticello, [29 July–2 Aug. 1809] [Quote]

We sat at table, until near sun down, where we enjoyed agreeable and instructive conversation, in which every one seemed to expect and wish Mr. J– should take the chief part. This is the part of the day, in which he gives most time to his guests, and seems himself most to enjoy society; and I...

Extract from Margaret Bayard Smith’s Recollection of a Visit to Monticello, [29 July–2 Aug. 1809] [Quote]

“Here,” said he, casting his eyes on the level plain before us, “Here you can form no adequate idea of the beauty or sublimity of a winter’s storm; but standing, as I have often stood at Monticello, to watch its progress—rising over the distant Alleghany, come sweeping and roaring on, mountain...

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