And see in these notes from him in London to his wife the interest of the philosopher and statesman in his home—­his human longing that it should be comfortable and beautiful.  “In the great Case ... is contain’d some carpeting for a best Room Floor.  There is enough for one large or two small ones; it is to be sow’d together, the Edges being first fell’d down, and Care taken to make the Figures meet exactly:  there is Bordering for the same.  This was my Fancy.  Also two large fine Flanders Bed Ticks, and two pair large superfine Blankets, 2 fine Damask Table Cloths and Napkins, and 43 Ells of Ghentish Sheeting Holland....  There is also 56 Yards of Cotton, printed curiously from Copper Plates, a new Invention, to make Bed and Window Curtains; and 7 yards Chair Bottoms...."[109]

“The same box contains 4 Silver Salt Ladles, newest, but ugliest Fashion; a little Instrument to core Apples; another to make little Turnips out of great ones; six coarse diaper Breakfast Cloths, they are to spread on the Tea Table, for nobody Breakfasts here on the naked Table; but on the cloth set a large Tea Board with the Cups....”  “London, Feb. 14, 1765.  Mrs. Stevenson has sent you ...  Blankets, Bedticks....  The blue Mohair Stuff is for the Curtains of the Blue Chamber.  The Fashion is to make one Curtain only for each Window.  Hooks are sent to fix the Rails by at the Top so that they might be taken down on Occasion...."[110]

It does the soul good and warms the heart toward old Benjamin to see him stopping in the midst of his labors for America to write his wife:  “I send you some curious Beans for your Garden,” and “The apples are extreamly welcome, ... the minced pies are not yet come to hand....  As to our lodging [she had evidently inquired] it is on deal featherbeds, in warm blankets, and much more comfortable than when we lodged at our inn...."[111]

Surely, too, the home touch is in this message of Thomas Jefferson at Paris to Mrs. Adams in London.  After telling her how happy he was to order shoes for her in the French capital, he continues:  “To show you how willingly I shall ever receive and execute your commissions, I venture to impose one upon you.  From what I recollect of the diaper and damask we used to import from England, I think they were better and cheaper than here....  If you are of the same opinion I would trouble you to send me two sets of table cloths & napkins for twenty covers each."[112] And again he turns aside from his heavy duties in France to write his sister that he has sent her “two pieces of linen, three gowns, and some ribbon.  They are done in paper, sealed and packed in a trunk."[113]