Although the gift would draw criticisms of Jefferson and the people of Cheshire, Jefferson praised the act as "extraordinary proof of the skill with which those domestic arts...are practiced by [the citizens of Cheshire]." The President then cut a piece of the cheese to present to the town, and it was widely considered the greatest cheese presented at the White House. Jefferson, who opposed the gift giving custom on principle, gave a $200 donation (over 50% of the actual market price) to Leland's congregation as a gesture of gratitude.
This act would lead to criticism from Jefferson and the people of Cheshire, but Jefferson saw it as "extraordinary proof of the skill with which domestic arts are practiced by [the citizens of Cheshire]." The President then gave a piece of cheese to the town, and it was widely considered one of the greatest gifts ever made to the White House. In contrast to his general stance against gift-giving, Jefferson showed appreciation for the gesture by donating $200 (more than 50% of its market value) to Leland's congregation.