Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 5 May 1802

To James Madison

May 5. 1802.

Th:J. to J. Madison

I think it is dean Swift who says that a present should1 consist of something of little value, & which yet cannot be bought for money. I send you one strictly under both conditions. the drawing was made by Kosciusko for his own use, and the engraving also I believe. he sent me four copies, the only ones which have come to America. the others I give to my family, and ask yourself & mrs Madison to accept of the one now sent.

RC (privately owned, Philadelphia, 1999). PrC (DLC).

For an earlier paraphrase of Jonathan SWIFT by TJ, see Vol. 36:202.

For the drawing MADE BY KOSCIUSKO, see Charles Le Brun to TJ, 10 Mch.

1TJ first wrote “that only a present which could” before altering the passage to read as above.

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