I have recieved, Sir, the little book of poems you have been so kind as to send me, and thank you for it as a mark of respect : but at the age of 77. our passion for poetry is gone, and the imagination become too torpid to taste it’s beauties, or to criticise it’s merits. I have no doubt that younger readers will do justice to yours; and, with my wishes that your poems may find abundance of them. I tender the assurance of my respect.

Th: Jefferson