Virginia Argus

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Staunton to his friend in this town, dated the 17th of August, 1804

"On my way up I called at Monticello--I cannot describe my admiration of Mr. Jefferson, or my amusement with the numberless curiosities interspersed about the house, among which, that itself, is not the least striking. This situation is so grand and beautiful, that it appears to have been formed by nature for its present possessor His elevation above his neighbors is in proportion to the excellence of his virtues and the splendor of his genius. It is not the proud eminence of ambition, of vanity, or of ostentation. When he looks down on his fellow men, it is not to count the number of his inferiors, but to seek out such as may be rendered useful to their country, and be incited by his example to virtuous exertions When he looks down it is not with the contemptuous sneer of arrogance, but with a serene benignity that evinces the benevolence of his heart, and the immensity of his mind.

"I was astonished that a man who had received so many honours and attentions, from nations as well as individuals, from his own as well as foreign countries-who was the acknowledged idol of a majority of a people, should be so modest, so affable and so unassuming.

"His life is the most able advocate that human nature has found in any climate, and the best answer that has ever been made to such as would abuse and impeach its perfection."