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 likely provoke criticism from Jefferson and the people of Cheshire, but Jefferson viewed it as a testament to the skill with which domestic arts are practiced in Cheshire. The President then presented a piece of cheese from the gift to the town, and it was widely regarded as one of the finest gifts ever brought to the White House. In contrast to his general opposition to gift-giving, Jefferson showed appreciation for the gesture by making a $200 donation (more than half the market value) to Leland's congregation as an expression of gratitude.