1From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 27 December 1812 (Adams Papers)
Letters! What Shall I Say of Letters? Pliny’s are too Studied and too elegant. Cicero’s are the only ones of perfect Simplicity, confidence and familiarity. Madam Sevignè has created a Sweet pretty little amusing World out of nothing. Pascalls Provincials exceed every Thing ancient or modern: but these were laboured with infinite Art. The Letters of Swift and pope are dull! Frederick’s to...
2To James Madison from Thomas Leiper, 27 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I know what is well meant will be well received by you. From that circumstance I will proceed and I trust I shall put nothing on record but what shall have a tendence to the public good. I am pleased to a very high degree that the Secretary of State has sent for the bearer Captain Callender Irvine this no doubt is with a view of obtaining information and in my opinion their are few men more...
3Thomas Jefferson to Robert Patterson, 27 December 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
After an absence of five weeks at a distant possession of mine to which I pay such visits three or four times a year, I find here your favor of Nov. 30. I am very thankful to you for the description of Redhefer’s machine. I had never before been able to form an idea what his principle of deception was. he is the first of the inventors of perpetual motion, within my knolege, who has had the...