The Natural bridge, the most sublime of Nature’s works ... so beautiful an arch, so elevated, so light, and springing as it were up to heaven, the rapture of the spectator is really indescribable! [Query V, “Cascades”]

I am then to be liberated from the hated occupations of politics, & to sink into the bosom of my family, my farm & my books. I have my house to build, my feilds to farm, and to watch for the happiness of those who labor for mine.

I know no country where ... public esteem is so attached to worth, regardless of wealth.

Locke’s little book on government is perfect as far as it goes.

in the science of government Montesquieu’s spirit of laws is generally recommended. it contains indeed a great number of political truths; but also an equal number of heresies: so that the reader must be constantly on his guard.

in political œconomy I think Smith’s wealth of nations the best book extant.

the study of the law is useful in a variety of points of view. it qualifies a man to be useful to himself, to his neighbors, & to the public.

it is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility & occupation which give happiness.

Gardens. peculiarly worth the attention of an American, because it is the country of all others where the noblest gardens may be made without expence. we have only to cut out the superabundant plants.

Architecture worth great attention. as we double our numbers every 20 years we must double our houses. ... it is then among the most important arts: and it is desireable to introduce taste into an art which shews so much.