Thomas Jefferson Papers

Enclosure: Donald Fraser’s Biographical Sketch of Thomas Jefferson, [ca 10 October 1819]

Enclosure

Donald Fraser’s Biographical Sketch of Thomas Jefferson

[ca. 10 Oct. 1819]

Thomas Jefferson, Esqr. A Native Virginia,—That State,1 has proved very—Prolific, in producing great & good men,—Mr J. has held many Important Stations:—The duties of which, he filled, with great Ability & strict Integrity.—He has been twice Elected President of these United States, Minister to a Foreign Court, Secretary of State, & Governor of his Native State.—Mr Jefferson is a man of much Urbanity, or Plain Republican Demeanor; & tho, wealthy, Devoid of ostentation:—That he is a firm & undeviating Patriot, is well Known.

He is a profound Scholar, & one of the first-rate Sages, that his Country can boast of.

MS (MHi); entirely in Fraser’s hand; undated; on verso of covering letter.

On 18 Oct. 1819 Fraser wrote John Adams a letter that included a biographical sketch of him: “John Adams Esqr late President of the U. States; A Native of Massachusettes;—that State has produced Heroes & great Statesmen—& Philosophers, a Warren, An Adams, a Franklin, &c. Mr. Adams, is a man of Superior, talents,—a correct writer, & an abble Negociator, when a Minister to a Foreign Court.—He is likewise, a professor of Religion, like Newton Bacon Locke, &c.—May Columbia always have Such able Supporters of its Rights” (RC in MHi: Adams Papers).

1Manuscript: “Sate.”

Index Entries

  • Adams, John; D. Fraser’s biographical sketch of search
  • Adams, Samuel (1722–1803); mentioned search
  • Bacon, Francis; mentioned search
  • Franklin, Benjamin; mentioned search
  • Fraser, Donald; and biographical sketch of J. Adams search
  • Fraser, Donald; and biographical sketch of TJ search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Descriptions of; biographies of search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Public Service; as governor of Va. search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Public Service; as minister to France search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Public Service; as secretary of state search
  • Locke, John; mentioned search
  • Newton, Sir Isaac; mentioned search
  • Warren, James; mentioned search