Thomas Jefferson actually said...

"The other parts of the work, which might all have been completed in time, were necessarily retarded by the insufficient progress of the stonework."

"A step so friendly will afford further evidence that all our proceedings have flowed from views of justice and conciliation."

"Delays, indeed, have taken place, occasioned by the long illness and subsequent death of the British minister charged with that duty."

"I have the satisfaction to inform you that the negotiation depending between the United States and the Government of Great Britain is proceeding in a spirit of friendship and accommodation which promi..."