[[John Adams]] described Ellsworth as "the firmest pillar" of the federal government during its earliest years.<ref>https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_Ellsworth.htm</ref> | [[John Adams]] described Ellsworth as "the firmest pillar" of the federal government during its earliest years.<ref>https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_Ellsworth.htm</ref> |