"I have been occupied and delighted with reading another work, the title of which did not promise much useful information or amusement, l'Italia avanti il dominio dei Romani dal Micali. it has often you know been a subject of regret that Carthage had no writer to give her side of her own history, while her wealth, power, and splendor prove she must have had a very distinguished policy and government. Micali has given the counterpart of the Roman history for the nations over which they extended their domination. for this he has gleaned up matter from every quarter, and furnished materials for reflection and digestion to those who, thinking as they read, have percieved [sic] there was a great deal of matter behind the curtain, could that be fully withdrawn. he certainly gives new views of a nation whose splendor has marked and palliated their barbarous ambition." — Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 5 May 1817