I mentioned to Mr Jefferson that the publishing Committee had a letter from him to the Earl of Buchan, sent by him to the Massachusetts Historical Society with a view to its publication–But the Committee thought it most consistent at least with delicacy to ascertain whether the publication would...

The President was less cheerful in his manners than usual, but told some of his customary staring stories. Among the rest, he said that before he went from Virginia to France, he had some ripe pairs sewed up in tow bags, and that when he returned six years afterwards, he found them in a perfect...

His conversation was vapid—mere common place observations on the weather—crops and sickness of particular districts. From these he went into an elaborate defence of Horseracing—he said it was an effectual means to improve the breed of horses ... He performed the honors of the table with great...

I wish him no ill. I envy him not. I shudder at the calamities, which I fear his conduct is preparing for his Country, from a mean thirst for popularity, an inordinate ambition and a want of sincerity.

Mr. Jefferson, who resisted the whole country and risked all his popularity, who ran the risk of not being reelected by refusing to seize Louisiana, an almost limitless country whose land is excellent, will certainly not change his principles after the success of his peaceful negotation.

he is easy of access, & conversed with great ease & freedom.

Mr. Jefferson is a very rare man. He must be considered among the great governors of nations.

and under the government of the excellent Mr Jefferson, one needs no other protection than the usefulness of one’s work.

In conversation, he is free and communicative. All topics that fall under discussion are treated by him with equal unreservedness. He seems, indeed, to have no thought or opinion to conceal, and his stores of knowledge are unlocked and laid open with the same freedom in which nature unfolds her...

He was a man of easy and ingratiating manners ... Mr. Jefferson never would discuss any proposition if you differed with him, for he said he thought discussion rather rivetted opinions than changed them.