He was as honest and upright a gentleman as ever served the country, exact in all his business transactions and with much judgement and bonhommie as could be found in very many. He was very often consulted and duly appreciated by the Administration and was intimate with most of the leading men of his day. He was not a bright man, but with his accomplished and handsome wife they had much influence in the intricacies of the Govt. and from her beauty and spritlyness, had great power over the distinguished men by whom the Government was administered and were always well posted of what was going on. Mrs. Pleasanton had been a great belle and retained much of her beauty when We knew her. … She was very clever and witty and with agreeable and kindly manner had an extensive influence over the counsels of the nation. They entertained charmingly at dinners and occasionally had a large party. …

Mr. P. was a very Methodical Man and all his duties were carried on with great punctuality. It was observed that even in his daily walks he appeared to have Studied both time and Method for at any precise moment of each day he was to be seen in almost the same place. He was a very kind hearted Gentleman with much dry humour, … He was of the medium height, very erect in his walk and somewhat emaciated. His clothes were worn very loose upon his person.