Volney's only reply was that he would not read the pamphlet. It was in these days that Priestley saw a great deal of Thomas Jefferson; indeed, the latter attended several of his sermons. The intercourse of these friends was extremely valuable to both. Jefferson welcomed everything which Priestley did in science and consulted him much on problems of education. At the election in the American Philosophical Society in the closing days of 1796 there was openly discussed whether to choose me (Priestley) or Mr. Jefferson, President of the Society,-- which prompted the Doctor to give his informant good reasons why they should not choose _me_. Naturally he listened to the political talk. He worried over the apparent dislike observed generally to France. He remarked The rich not only wish for alliance offensive and defensive with England ... but would have little objection to the former dependence upon it, and The disposition of the lower orders of the people ... for the French ... is not extinguished. He was much annoyed by Peter Porcupine. The latter was publishing a daily paper (1799) and in it frequently brought forward Priestley's name in the most opprobrious manner, although Priestley in his own words-- had nothing to do with the politics of the country. The Doctor advised friend Lindsey that He (Porcupine) every day, advertizes his pamphlet against me, and after my name adds, "commonly known by the name of the fire-brand philosopher." However, he flattered himself that he would soon be back in Northumberland, where he would be usefully engaged, as I have cut myself out work for a year at least ... besides attending to my experiments. Mr. Adams had come into the Presidency, so Priestley very properly went to pay his respects and take leave of the late President (Washington) whom he thought in not very good spirits, although he invited me to Mount Vernon and said he thought he should hardly go from home twenty miles as long as he lived. Priestley's fame was rapidly spreading through the land. Thoughtful men were doing him honor in many sections of the country, as is evident from the following clipping from a Portland (Me.) paper for March 27, 1797:-- On Friday the twenty-fourth a number of gentlemen, entertaining a high sense of the character, abilities and services of the Reverend Doctor JOSEPH PRIESTLEY, as a friend and promoter of true science dined together at the Columbian Tavern, in commemoration of his birth. The following toasts were given. 1. That Illustrious Christian and Philosopher, Joseph Priestley: May the world be as grateful to him for his services as his services are beneficial to the world. 2. May the names of Locke, Newton, Montesquieu, Hartley and Franklin be had in everlasting remembrance.