After Jefferson’s inauguration, Elder John Leland encouraged his Baptist congregation in Cheshire, Massachusetts to present a gift to the new president. It was to thank him for his republicanism and his support for religious liberty.  But what would be appropriate?   A “mammoth cheese”!  The congregation was encouraged to contribute milk from their cows, but not from any Federalist cows. 900 democratic cows participated. They used a huge cider-press and produced a block of cheese that weighed 1,600 pounds.  The pressing occurred on July 20, 1801.  The cheese was engraved with “Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”  Elder Leland had it placed on a sledge and he drove it for three weeks to Washington.  People gathered along the road to see the cheese.  Jefferson was grateful.  (Get it?)  The President thanked them for the “extraordinary proof of the skill with which those domestic arts which contribute so much to our daily comfort are practiced by them.”  It was presented to Jefferson at the President’s House on Jan. 1, 1802. Jefferson, who had a no-gift policy, paid Leland $200 for the cheese.  Four years later, people who visited the President’s House were still being served from the cheese.

–  Boller 35-36

–  https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/mammoth-cheese/


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