A Bird That Whistles: In Jefferson's Cabinet, 1803

President Thomas Jefferson’s office, in the southwest corner of the house, was where he worked with his secretary, Meriwether Lewis, who would later lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition. “A Bird That Whistles,” by artist Peter Waddell, 2007.

This oil on canvas painting by Peter Waddell was completed around 2008. President Thomas Jeffersons office in the southwest corner of the house, today known as the State Dining Room, was his private sanctuary that few visitors ever saw, but where he worked with his private secretary, Meriwether Lewis, who would later lead the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was here that Jefferson enjoyed his many intellectual interests, including geography, plants, architecture, and animals. He kept a mockingbird as a pet, which would regale him with its sweetest notes. ***Interior use only for publications***