Images of this newspaper article and the manuscripts on which it was based are reproduced elsewhere in this volume.

On 17 Jan. 1822 the editors of the Richmond Enquirer further reported (two words editorially corrected) that “The Petersburg Intelligencer seems still to doubt the authenticity of the article on the 10th Jan. He says that ‘the word of one gentleman is as good as the word of another gentleman’—that when Mr. Jefferson himself says ‘he has not written such a letter, we, shall believe him.’—We vouch in the most positive manner for the article we have published.—We repeat, Mr. Jefferson ‘never wrote such a letter, never put pen to paper on that subject, and studiously avoids all conversation on it.’ If this be not so, no affirmation is to be believed, and honor itself is a cheat. The Intelligencer relies upon the word of his respectable informant, ‘that it was certainly reported at Columbia, a letter of the character mentioned had been received from Mr. Jefferson.’ Now, we happen to have the best information also from that quarter. Mr. J. may have spoken in [very] high terms of Mr. Lowndes—he may put that [sentiment] upon paper. It is the just sentiment of almost every man in the nation:—but further than this was not said at Columbia by men who were conversant with the facts. No letter from Mr. J. pointing to the Presidential Election was relied on: but they did rely upon the high opinion which he is said to have expressed about Mr. Lowndes.”