But it was by his unofficial labors at this time that Jefferson benefited his country more than by his official acts as a negotiator.  These labors were great, and took up most of his time; they included sending information to his countrymen of all that was going on of importance in the realms of science, art, and literature, giving advice and assistance to the unfortunate, sending seeds and machines and new inventions to America, and acquainting himself with all improvements in agriculture, especially in the culture of rice.  He travelled extensively in most of the countries of Europe, always with his eyes open to learn something useful; one result of which was to deepen his disgust with the institutions of the Old World, and increase his admiration for those of his own country.  He doubtless attached too much importance to the political systems of Europe in producing the degradation he saw among the various peoples, even as he too impulsively considered republicanism the source of all good in governments.  He was on pleasant terms with the different diplomatic corps, and lived in the easy and profuse style of Virginia planters,—­giving few grand dinners, but dispensing a generous hospitality to French visitors as well as to all Americans who called on him.  The letters he wrote were innumerable.  No public man ever left to posterity more of the results of his observations and thought.  Interesting himself in everything and everybody, and freely communicating his ideas in correspondence, he had a wide influence while living, and his ideas have been suggestive and fruitful to thoughtful students of the public interest ever since.

After five years’ residence in France, he returned home, a much more intelligent and cultivated man than when he arrived in Paris, which never lost its charm for him, in spite of its political convulsions, its irreligion, and its social inequality.  He came back to Monticello as on a visit only, expecting to return to his post.  But another destiny awaited him.  Washington required his services in the first Cabinet as Secretary of State for foreign affairs,—­a part for which his diplomatic career had admirably qualified him, as well as his general abilities.

The seat of government was then at New York, and Jefferson occupied a house in Maiden Lane, while Hamilton, as Secretary of the Treasury, lived in Pine street.  Jefferson’s salary was $3,500 a year, five hundred more than Hamilton received; but it is not to be supposed that either lived on his official income.  The population of the city was then but thirty-five thousand, and only a few families—­at the head of which were the Schuylers, the Livingstons, the Van Rensselaers, and the Morrises—­constituted what is called “Society,” which was much more ceremonious than at the present day, and more exclusive.  All the great officers of the new government were aristocratic and stately, even inaccessible, except Jefferson; and many of the fashions, titles, and ceremonies of