Was Thomas Jefferson regarded as exceptionally intelligent by his peers? If not, how/when did exceptional intelligence become a central component of his reputation? Related: Are there any online resources for searching all of the "Founding Fathers'" writings, simultaneously?

by 4VDzyss6Qn0OOoSG
sunagainstgold

I can't help with most of your question, but Founders Online is an amazing resource for looking through Revolutionary American writings. It's not everything, but because so much of it is letters, you have all the surviving letters written to them as well as by them.

I hope this is useful and not "yes, yes, I know, I was looking for something better." Apologies if that's the case!