The - law.gmu.edu · Volume I1 G. P. Putnam’s Sons New York aqi London Ube RnlckerLwcker Ortee I...

The Works of

Thomas JefEerson

Collected and Edited

bY

Paul Leicester Ford

Volume I1

G. P. Putnam’s Sons New York a q i London Ube RnlckerLwcker Ortee

I 904 T

3 0 8 V . 2

Ube afckerbocker ha, 'Ilcw lbrk

CONTENTS OF VOLUME I1

ITINBRARYANDCHRONOLOGY , . . . . I771

To THOMAS ADAMS, FEBRUARY ~ O T H . . . . TobaccwPurchases to be made in Great Britain+-

duct of New York on assodation-surety for acquaint- ancPOgilvieJeffemn coat-of-arms-Clavichord.

To JAMES OGILVIE, FEBRUARY OOTH . . . . Former letters-Means taken to aid Ogi lv ie -Vaht

parish-Jefferson's love aEair-Burning of &adweU- Present quarters.

INSCRIPTION FOR AN AFRICAN SLAVE . . . . AGREEMENT WITH JOHN RANDOLPH, APRIL IITH . . To INGLIS AND LONG, MAY IITH . . . . .

Legal matters.

T o T ~ o ~ a s A n a a r s , JUNE IST . . . . . Invoice- Amxiation-Forte-piano- India cotton

stockings-Umbrella-Prospective marriage. TO ROBERTSHIPWITH, A U G U S T ~ D . . . .

List of books-Value of fictiom4nvitation to remove

LEGAL ARGUMBNT. GOODWIN et al. vs. LUNAN . . to Monticello-Offer prayers t o Mrs. Skelton.

I779

To MESSRS. INGLIS AND LONG, JUNE IITH . . . Legal matters.

iii

PA01

V

3

5

I1

16

3s

iv Contents of Volume I1

I f 7 3

To CHARLES MCPHERSON, FEBRUARY 2 5 ~ ~

To WILLIAM FLEMING, MAY I ~ T H

. . . Poems of Ossiandther Gallic poems.

. . . . Death of Dabney Can-His law cases.

Rates for legal business.

ADVERTISEMENT IN “VIRGINIA GAZETTE,” JULY I ~ T H . Sales of Waylies’ property.

ADVERTISEMENT IN “ VIRGINIA GAZETTE,” SEPTEMBER I ~ T H . . . . . . . .

ADVERTISBMBNT IN “VIRGINIA GAZETTE,’’ h Y tOTH .

I714

NOTICE OF FAST, JUNE . . . . . . RESOLUTIONS OF ALBEMARLE COUNTY, JULY 2 6 ~ ~ . PROPOSED ARMS FOR THE UNITED STATES . . . A SUMMARY VIEW OF THE RIGHTS OF BRITISH AMERICA,

AUGUST . . . . . . . . Delegates to prepare an address to the king-Nature of

American colonization, and political rights derived from -Arbitrary interference of the Stuarts in the colonies- Right of free trade-Usurpations of Parliament-Recent oppressive legislation-Veto power of king-Landholding in the colonies-Quartering of troops-Future action of colonies.

DEFECTS IN THE ASSOCIATION, OCTOBER , . .

Non-importation assodation--[;oods expected to ar- TO CARY AND HARRISON, DECEMBER 9TH . . .

rive from Great Britain.

I775

MOTION IN VIRGINIA CONVENTION, MARCH 24TH . . Action of New York Assembly on Association.

Crown lands. RESOLUTION IN VIRGINIA CONVENTION, MARCH 25TH .

PAGE

36

38

38

40

41

41

4a

45

49

93 94

96

98

Contents of Volume I1

TO DR. WILLIAM SMALL, MAY 7TH . . . . Battles of Lexington and Concord-Recondliation

now impossible-Lord Chatham’s plan.

ADDRESS TO GOVERNOR DUNMORE, JUNE I l T H . . Lord North’s motion-Reasons for not acceptkg

Lord Chatham’s plan-Leaves decision to Continental Congress.

To FRANCIS EPPES, JUNE 2 6 ~ ~ . , . . . Accounts from Boston-Departure of Washington-

Critical condition.

To FRANCIS EPPES, JULY 4TH . . . . . Accounts of battle of Bunker’s Hill-Privateers-

DRAFTS OF DECLARATION ON TAKING UP ARMS, JULY 6TH . . . . . . . . Necessity of justification-History of settlement-

Usurpations of the king-Action of Parliament-Oppres- sive legislation-Behavior of coloniedonduct of British troops-Falseness of Gage-The colonies forced to arm.

DRAFT OF REPORT O N LORD NORTH’S MOTION, JULY 2 5 ~ ~ . . . . . . . . Colonial right of exclusive legislation-Warthles con-

To JOHNRANDOLPH, AUGUST Z ~ T H . . . . Jefferson’s hope of reconciliation-Des& for tranquil

life-Misinformation of English ministry-Terms of Con- gresbForeign aid-Hopes the colonies will remain dependent on Great Britain.

Powder lacking.

cessions of Parliament.

To FRANCIS EPPES, OCTOBER IOTH . . . . Great Britain t o push the war with vigor-Arrival of

Shuldam-Lord Dunmore’s plans-British plan of action.

To FRANCIS EPPES, OCTOBER 2 4 ~ ~ . . . . To JOHNPAGE,OCTOBER~IST . . . . .

War news.

Canadian news-Letter writing.

Surrender of Chambly-Convulsions in South C a r d i a TO FRANCIS EPPES, NOVEMBER 7TH . . . .

V

PAGI

99

I O 1

1 0 7

108

I10

I 3 7

vi Contents of Volume I1 PAOS

TOFRANCISEPPES,NOVEYBERDIST . . . , 142 Canadian news-British reinforcements.

To JOHN RANDOLPH, NOVEMBER 2 9 ~ ~ . . . . 143 Death of Peyton Randolph-War in Canada-Lord

Dunmore's action-King and ministry-Independence being forced upon the colonies.

DECLARATION CONCERNING ETHAN ALLEN, DECEMBER 2D . , . . . . . . . I 4 5

To JOHN PAGE, DECEMBER . . . . . . 147 Capture of store ship-News of Arnold and Mont-

gomery-Promotions.

REPORT ON CONGRESS COMMITTEE, DECEMBER I ~ T H . 149

1776

TOTHOMAS NELSON, MAY I ~ T H . . . . . 151 New governments-lodgingsIndependence-Cana-

dian news. REPORT O N CANADIAN AFFAIRS, MAY ZIST . . . 154

PROPOSED CONSTITUTION FOR VIRGINIA, JUNE . . I 58

REPORT ON CEDARS CARTEL, JUNE I ~ T H . , . 183

REPORT ON CANADIAN AFFAIRS, JUNE I ~ T H . , . 190 To WILLIAM FLEMING, JULY IST . . . . . 197

Canadian affairs-New York canspiracy-Virginia delegation-Declaration of Independence.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, JULY 4TH . , , 199 To RICHARD HENRY LEE, JULY 8TH . . . , a17

Declaration of Independence-Return to Virginia.

To GEORGE WYTHE, JULY . . . . . . 218

RULES FOR CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, JULY . . . 219

TOED~UNDPENDLRTON, JULY . . . . . 219

MOTION FOP ROTATION OF MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, JULY, a i 0

Judiciary.

Resignation from Congress.

i

Contents of Volume I1

To FRANCIS EPPES, JULY ISTH . . . . . Condition at New York-Cedars cartel.

To THE PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION, JULY 15~a . . NOTES ON VIRGINIA-PENNSYLVANIA BOUNDARY, JULY .

Lead-Lead mines-Vacancies in Virginia battalions-

To FIELDING LEWIS, JULY 1 6 ~ ~ . . . . .

Pennsylvania-Virginia boundaries.

TO THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, JULY I ~ T H . . salt.

Lead.

TO JOHN PAGE, JULY lOTH . . . a .

Virginia seal-Motto-Foreigners-Sth battalion-

To FRANCIS EPPES, JULY 2 3 ~ . . . . . Southern war news-Canada-Situation about New

Camp news-Return to Virginia.

York.

TO JOHN P A G E , AUGUST 5TH . . . .

TO FRANCIS EPPES, AUGUST 9 T H . . . . . Indian war-Virginian delegation-Howe's axmy-

DuchB's prayers.

New York news-French politics-Affairs a t Charles- ton and Champlain.

TO -, AUGUST I ~ T H . . . . . . Public lands, Congressional sale of-Movements a t

New York-Indian aftairs.

TO JOHN PAGE, AUGUST SOTH . . . . . New York News-Foreign rumors-€anadian &ai%

Fleet on Champlain-Indians-Military supplies.

RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO HESSIAN OFFICERS, Au- GUST 1 7 ~ ~ . . . . . .

RESOLUTIONS ON PEACE PROPOSITIONS, AUGUST ~ S T H . To THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS,

OCTOBER IITH . . . . . . . Declining foreign mission.

NOTES ON RELIGION,~CTOBER . . . . .

vii

aaz PAQS

131

133

135

137

348

949

' 5 1

viii Contents of Volume I1 PAGE

BILL TO ABOLISH ENTAILS, OCTOBER 1 4 T H . . . 268 AMENDMENTS TO BILL TO ABOLISH ENTAILS, OCTOBER

I ~ T H . . . . . . . . 270

BILL TO REMOVE GOVERNMENT, OCTOBER I ~ T H . . 271

BILL FOR RAISING INFANTRY, OCTOBER 2 8 ~ ~ . . 277

BILL FOR ALTERING RATES OF COPPER COIN, NOVEMBER BILL ESTABLISHING COUNTY COURTS, NOVEMBER 4TH . 286

7TH . . . . . . . . 289

BILL FOR THE TRIAL OF OFFENCES, DECEMBER STH . 291 BILL FOR SUSPENDING EXECUTIONS FOR DEBT, DECEM-

R E P O R T O N U P S H U R , NOVEMBER ~ S T H . . . . 289

BER 6TH . . . . . , . . 294

I777

BILL FOR PROVIDING AGAINST INVASIONS, MAY IOTH , 295

BILL REGULATING APPOINTMENT OF DELEGATES TO CON-

To JOHN ADAMS, MAY I ~ T H . . , . . , 304 GRESS, MAY I2TH . . . . . . 302

Virginia’s troops-Confederation-Journals of Con- gress-Post Office.

To BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, AUGUST I ~ T H . , . 306 Vrginia’s easy change to republican institutions-

Courts of justice-Paper money-Delights of foreign life.

TO JOHNADAMS, AUGUST 2IST . . . . . 308 Borrowing in Europe-Tuscany and MazEi-Howe’s

movements. FIRST REPORT OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, DECEMBER

4TH . . . . . . . . . 310 Right of senate to amend money bills.

1778

SECOND REPORT OF CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, JANUARY 9TH . . . . . , . . . 313

Contents of Vuiume II

B I L L GIVING POWERS TO EXECUTIVE, JANUARY I3TS - BILL DESIGNATING PLACES FOR HOLDING COURTS, JANU-

ARY 2OTH . . . . . . . BILL GRANTINGPARDON, MAY I ~ T H . . . . BILL FOR RECOVERY OF U. S. DEBTS, MAY I ~ T H . . BILL PROVIDING PUBLIC SUPPLIES, M A Y 2 0 T E . . BILL TO AMEND SAME, MAY O I S T . . . . . . BILL OF ATTAINDER AGAINST PHILIPS, MAY 28TH . TORICHARD HENRY LEE, JUNE ~ T H . . . .

Doings of Assembly-Confederation-Supplies.

T O -, JUNE 8TH . . . . . . . Europesn accounts of war-Actual facts-French al-

liance-Fondness for philosophical stgdies--climatic ob- servations-M usic.

RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING PEACE, JUNE? . . . T O REV. SAMUEL HENLEY, JUNE 9 T H . . . .

Books.

Eclipse-Neglect of science for politics. To DAVID RITTENHOUSE, JULY I ~ T H . . . . BILL FOR PAYING MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY, DECEM-

iff

39=

323 324

3'5

326

388 330

337

338

P U S

342

343

344-

BER 12TH . . . . . . I779

TOGBORGE WYTHE, MARCH IST . . . . Practice of attorneys in Virginia courts.

Removal of Convention troops.

Parole for Hessian officer.

Inclosing money.

TO THE GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA, MARCH 27TH . TO RICHARD HENRY LEE, APRIL 2 I S T . . . To GABRIEL JONES, APRIL 2 9 ~ ~ . . . . BILL CONCERNING BRITISH SUBJECTS, MAY 2 7 ~ ~ : . SPEECH TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 2 , .

. 347

' 349

* 350

- 363

364

* 365

371

x antents of volume 11

To JOBN PAGB, JUNE . . . . . . . To WILLIAM FLEMING, JUNE ~ T H . . . . .

Cruelty of enemies-Rumors of peace-Public land

To THEODORICK BLAND, JR., J U N E ~ T H . . . - To RICHARD HENRY LEE, JUNE I ~ T H . . . .

To THEODORICK BLAND, JR., JUNE I ~ T H . . . REPORT OF THE REVISORS, J U N E I ~ T H . . . .

Bill for withholding British property-Bill concerning slaves-Bill for proportioning crimes and punishmenta-

... Bill for the more general diffusion of knowledge-Bill for the amending the constitution of the College of William and Mary-Bill for establishing a public library-Bill for establishing religious freedom.

Regret at being made his competitor for ofice.

offi~e-Removal of capital-Western news.

Governor Hamilton-ldilitary directions.

Clark’s expedition-Correspondence.

Colo. Finnie-Governor Hamilton.

To GENERAL WASHINGTON, J U N E I ~ T H . . . Clark’s expedition-shelby’s success-Governor Ham-

i l tonduthern service.

T O THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, JUNE I g T H . Letters of marque-Cruelties of enemies on privateers

in Chesapeake Bay-Prizes.

PROCLAMATION CONCERNING ESCHEATS, JULY IST . T O GENERAL BARON DE RIEDESEL, JULY 4TH . .

Permits to Hessian officers-Thanks for congratula-

To GENERAL WASHINGTON, JULY 1 7 ~ ~ . . . . Governor Hamilton-Desertions from C0nvent.b

tions-Future meeting.

troops.

TO THE GOVERNOR OF CANADA, JULY 22D . . . Governor Hamilton.

Recruiting Western battalions. To COL. WILLIAM FLEMING, AUGUST PTH . . .

?A-

379

3’13

376

377

379

383

44 5

447

448

451

451

454

461

Contents of Volume If

TO THE COUNTY LIEUTENANT OF HAMPSHIRE, AUGUST I ~ T H . . . . . . . . Battalions for Western campaign.

Wheat crop.

Governor Hamilton.

TO THE PRESIDENT O F CONGRESS, SEPTEMBER 25TE . To GENERAL WASHINGTON, OCTOBER IST . . .

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 1 D . . . Governor Hamilton-Retaliation.

Governor Hamilton. TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 8TH . . . To COL. GEORGE MATHEWS, OCTOBER ~ T H . . .

Governor Hamilton-Situation of Virginian officers a t New York

To THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, OCTO-

Additional supplies-sequestered estates-continental accounts-General Steuben’s “Continental Rules. ”

To THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, OCTO- BER 2 9 ~ ~ . . . . . . . Le Mair-Brevets.

To THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, OCTO- BER 3 0 ~ ~ . . . . . . . Manufacture of ms-Ballendine-Iron furma-

To THE FRENCH MINISTER, NOVEMBER IOTH . . Authorizing French fleet to enter Virginian waters-

To THE GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA, NOVEMBER I I T H . . . . . . a .

Cherokee Indians-Division of Indian tribes among

BER 1PD . . . . , . . .

Foundry-James River canal.

Best harbor.

Southern states. To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, NOVEMBER I ~ T H .

Guarding Convention troops. To GENERAL WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER ~ O T H . .

Virginia’s quota of Continental troops--(jovemor Hamilton.

xi PA01

463

463 -

464

465

466

467

4 30

473

474 I

484

486

488

xii Contents of Volume I1 PAQB

PROCLAMATION LAYING EMBARGO ON PROVISIONS, NO-

To THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, DECEMBER I ~ T H . 491 Continentel amsdtab arms.

To GENERAL WASHINGTON, DECEMBER I ~ T H . . 496 Prisoners-Land l a w 4 l o n e l Bland's case.

To THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES, DECEM- B E R ~ ~ D . . . . . . . . 498 Invasion of enemy.

F'rize-Convention troops4ontinental quota of pro-

VEMBER 3OTH . . . . . . . 491

T O THE PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS, DECEMBER 3 0 ~ A . 5 0 0

visions.

ITINERARY AND CHRONOLOGY OF

THOMAS JEFFERSON

17 7 1-1 779

177 I.-Feb. Mar.

20. At Monticello. 14-16. 19-22.

At Albernarle, attending County coud. At Augusta, attending County Court. At "The Forrest" (Charles City).

At "The Forrest."

Apr. 8. Apr. Io-May 11. At Williamsburg, attending General Court. May 17. May 21-24. June I.

June 5. June 9. June 11-13.

July 11. 15-20.

24. 25.

Aw- 3. 8-10.

Aug. 2-23. Aug. 30-1. Sept. 7. Oct. 2.

8. IO.

NOV. 11. 14-16. 19-22.

Dec. IO.

27-28.

At Augusta, attending County Court. At Monticello. Al Tuckahoe. At "The Forrest." At Williamsburg, attending Court of Oyer

At "The Forrest." At Williamsburg. At "The Forrest." At Tuckahoe. At Monticello. At Albemarle, attending County Court. At Augusta, attending County Court. At Tuckahoe. At Monticello. At Eppingtm. At "The Forrest." At Williamsburg, attending General Court.

Argues case of Godwin et d. w. Lunsn At "The Forrest." At Albemarle, attending County Court. At Augusta, attending County Court. At Williamsburg, attending Court of Oyer

At Eppington.

and Terminer.

and Terminer.

xiii

xiv Itinerary and Chronology ‘

1772.-JaU. I. At “The Forrest.” M a n i a Martha (Waylies) Skeltoa

2.5. At Monticello. Feb. 25. At Albemasle. Mar. 30. At Shadwell. May 19. At Charlottesville.

28. At Eppington. June I. At “The Forrest.”

11. At Williamsburg. 23. At “The Forrest.”

July rg-Aug. 20. At Monticello. Sept. 27.

Nov. 4. 12.

Dec. 5 . 19.

1773.-Feb. as. Mar. 4.

12-1 3. 15 .

Apr. 6. May 19.

25-28.

Oct. 14.

Apr. 3.

May 9.

I 774.-Mar.-Apr.

26. May 27.

30. June.

J ~ Y . a6.

Aug. 3. oct.-Dec.

At Monticello.

At “The Forrest.” At Monticello. At Rocky Ridge. At Richmond. At Albemarle. At Williamsburg, attending House of Bur-

Attends Committee of Correspondence. House of Burgesses dissolved. Attends Committee of Correspondence.

At Charlottesville. At Williamsburg, attending Committee of

His first daughter, Martha, born.

gesses.

Correspondence. Appointed Surveyor of Albemarle Co.

His second daughter, Jane Randolph,

At Williamsburg, attending House of Bur-

At Monticello.

born.

gesses. Petitions House of Burgesses. Resolutions for Fast. House of Burgesses dissolved. Signs Association. Attends meeting of members.

Recommends Fast.

Drafts Fkolutions of Albemarle GJ. Writes “ A Summary View.” Starts for Williamsburg, but is taken s ick

At Monticello.

At Monticello.

At Monticello. At Monticello.

Feb. 27.

Mar. IO.

23. 24.

20.

97.

27. June I.

2.

5. IO.

11.

2 0 .

21.

July 21.

31.

11.

I 6.

17. 19.

sept. 25.

Oct. I.

Oct. 9.

17. Nov. 16.

Itinerary and ChronoogY xv

At Monticello. Elected member of Albemarle Com!dtee

of Safety. At Monticello. . At Monticello. At Richmond, attending Convention.

On Committee for defence of colony. Makes motion relative to New York As-

OfTers resolution on Crown lands. On Committee on Crown lands. Elected deputy delegate to Continental

Convention dissolves.

sembly.

Congress.

At Williamsburg, attending House of Bur-

On Committee to draft address to governor. On Committee to inspect public stores. Drafts address to Dunmore.

gesses.

Leaves Williamsburg. Amves at Philadelphia.

Attends Continental Congress. Added to Committee to draft Declaration

on Arming. prepares draft.

motion. On Committee to report on Lord North’s

Reports draft of reply. Congress adjourns. Leaves Philadelphia.

At Richmond, attending Virginia Conven- tion.

On Committee on Crown lands. Re-elected a member of Continental Con-

On Committee on defence. Granted leave of absence for session. On Committee to examine ballots,

gress.

At Williamsburg. At Monticello. Leaves Monticello. Arrives at Philadelphia.

Attends Continental Congress. on C d t t e e on Pa.-Conn. land dispute. On Committee on Massachusetts pspets.

mi Itinerary and Chronology 1775.-Nov. 23.

24.

Dec. 2.

8.

13. 15. 16.

18.

28.

1776.-Jm. 2.

3. 4. 5. 7. 9.

Mar. 31.

8.

11.

22.

May 7.

9- I 0.

I I. 12.

21.

23. 28.

5 . June 1

IO.

On Committee on Currency. On Committee on condition of North

On Committee on Petition of Newton. Makes resolution concerning Ethan Allan. On Committee on Petition of Hudson. On Committee on Petition of Beveredge. On Committee on Committee of Congress. Prepares rules for Committee of Congress. On Committee on Petition of Phila. mer-

On Committee on Letters of Schuyler. On Committee on Business of Congress.

Carolina

chants.

Leaves Philadelphia for Virginia. At Bushtown. At Baltimore. At Upper Marlboro. At Piscataway. At Predericksburg. At Monticello.

Mother dies. Leaves Monticello. At Orange Court-House and Culpeper

At Fairfax Court-House and Red House. At Lacys, Leesburgh, and Knowlands on

At Fredericktown and Qawneytown. At Rhengher and Wright’s ferriage (Sus-

At Lancaster. At Chester and Philadelphia.

Lodges at “ Randolphs.” Attends Congress. On Committee on Letters. Drafts report of Committee. On Committee to address foreign mer-

Takes lodgings at Mrs. Graafs. On Committee to prepare address. Drafts Constitution for Virginia. On Committee for preventing news and

On Committee to prepare rules for Con-

Court-House.

Potomac.

quehannah) .

cenaries.

supplies for enemy.

gress.

Itinerary and Chronology xvii

On Committee to prepare Declaration of

On Committee to investigate Cedars’

Drafts report of Committee. Re-elected member of Congress. Drafts report on Canada. Reports draft of Declaration. Declaration adopted. On Committee to plan seal of U. S. On Committee on Indian affairs. Committee to prepare rules of Congress

On Committee on Philadelphia prisoners. On Committee on Flying Camp. On Committee to revise journals. On Committee on Letters. On Committee on Gold and Silver coins. On Committee on Memorial of Parsons. Moves for rotation of Congress. Requests Virginia Convention to allow

On Committee to encourage Hessians to

Committee reports. On Committee on Washington’s letter. On Committee on captures. On Committee to revise resolutions. On Committee on Wilson’s letter. Drafts report. Moves resolution in regard to Drummond.

Independence.

cartel.

report.

his return.

desert.

Leaves Philadelphia. At Whitehouse and Lancaster. At Wright’s ferry and York. At Tawneytown and Frederic. At Leesburgh. At Red House. At Monticello. Elected Commissioner to France. Leaves Monticello. At Williamsburg. At “Coles.” At “Bassetta.” At Williamsbnrg.

Attends Assembly.

1776.-Jme 11.

1.5.

11. PO.

28.

J ~ Y 4.

6. IO.

IT.

IS- 17. 18. 24. 25 .

? ?

Aug. 9.

14. 20.

21. 26.

28.

4. 5. 6. 7 9

8. 9.

16. 17.

Oct. I. 6. 8.

Sept. 1.

11.

xviii I t inerq and Chronology

6. 7.

11. 19.

13.

12.

1 5 . I 6.

IS.

Z 8.

Nov. z. 4.

5.

1 7 7 6 . 4 k t . xk. On Committee on Propositions and

On Committee on Privileges and Elec-

On Committee on Religion. On Committee to draft Militia bill. On Committee to draft Tobacco bill. Receives thanks of Assembly. On Committee to draft bill ending entails. On Committee to draft repeal of frontier

On Committee to draft bill to remove seat

On Committee to draft Naturalization bill. Entail bill introduced. On Committee to draft Infantry bill. On Committee to draft bill dividing Fin-

castle Co. On Committee to draft Punishment bill. Reports on Ross. Leave of absence gtanted by Assembly. Entail bill amended. Reports on Corbin. Reports on Garland and Barber. On Committee to draft Courts bill. On Committee to draft bill defining

treason. On Committee to draft bill dividing

Augusta Co. Introduces Infantry bill. Reports on Goodrich. On Committee to draft bill dissolving

Bill to establish County Courts intro-

On Committee to report on Va.-Pa.

Bill for trial of certain offences intro-

Chosen one of five to revise laws. On Committee to draft Copper-coinage

Inttoduces bill to remove capital. On Committee to confer with Senate. On Committee to draft restraining bill.

Grievances.

tions.

ordinance.

of government.

local governments.

duced.

boundaries.

duced.

bill.

Itinerary and Chronology xix

.1776.-Nov. 19.

28. Dec. 4.

6.

14. 25-31.

1777.-JaIl. 1-10. 13-16.

11. Mar. IO. Apr. 1-19. May 4.

5.

9.

IO. 12.

20.

22. 28.

June 14. 18. 23.

J ~ Y 6 . 24.

Aug. 21. Oct. 20.

24. 30.

On Committee to draft bill suspendins

Reports on Upshur. On Committee to draft bill to punish cer-

On Committee to draft bill for loan office. Bill for supending debt executions intro-

tithes.

tain offences.

duced. Leaves Williamsburg. At Monticello. At Monticello. At Fredericksburg.

At Orange Court-House. At Monticello. At Monticello. Leaves Monticello. Arrives at Williamsburg.

Attends Assembly. On Committee on Religion. On Committee on Privileges and Elec-

On Committee on Courts of Justice. Reports bill regulating militia. Reports bill for electing Congress dele-

Granted leave of absence for session.

Attends meeting of " Revisors."

tions.

gates.

At Richmond. At Monticello. Son born. Son dies.

At Bedford. At Cumberland Court-House. At Monticello. At Monticello. At Monticello. At "Charlton's." At "Cow1es." At Williamsburg.

Attends Assembly. On Committee on Religion. On Committee on Privileges a d El=.

On Committee of Propositions md t i O n S .

Grievances.

xx Itinerary and Chronology

Nov. 5.

28. Dec. I .

4.

5 . 6 . 9.

IO. 12.

13. I 6.

20.

24. Feb. 26-28.

Mar. 2-14.

On Committee of Courts of Justice. OR Committee to draft Court of Appeals

On Committee to draft General Court bill On Committee to draft Chancery Court

Leave of Absence granted. On Committee Petition of Vanbibber. On Committee on Forestalling, On Committee to amend Militia bill. On Committee to confer with Senate. Prepares reply to Senate. On Committee on Army bill, On Committee on Losses of Norfolk At Charles City.

Attends Assembly. Reports answer to Senate.

bill.

bill.

At Williamsburg.

At Cowls Ferry. At Williamsburg.

Attends Assembly. On Committee to draft Tax bill. On Committee to draft Salary bill. On Committee to draft bill legalizing cer-

On Committee to draft bill dividing

On Committee to draft bill granting Let-

On Committee to draft County Court bill. On Committee to draft bill granting

On Committee to amend Small-Pox bill. On Committee to prepare Answer to

Granted leave of absence. Reports Answer to Senate. On Committee to confer with Senate. On Committee to draft Sequestration bill. On Committee to report on Loyeautb. On Committee to draft Chancery Court

Assembly adjourns.

tain acts.

Counties.

ters of Marque.

powers to contractors.

Senate.

bill.

At Yonticello. At Monticello.

Itinerary and Chranologg xxi

I 77a.-Apr. a. At Williamsburg. May 12. At Williamsburg.

Attends Assembly. O n m d t t e e on Privileges and El 53tions.

Committee on Propositions and Grievances.

13.

Reports bill granting Pardon. On Committee on Norfolk Losses. On Committee to draft Cavalry bill. On Committee to draft Volunteer bill. On Committee on Recruiting bill. On Committee to draft bill for Recovery

On Committee to draft bill for Foreign

On Committee to draft bill giving appoint-

On Committee to draft bill relating to

On Committee to draft bill enforcing at-

On Committee to consider Oyer and Ter-

On Committee to draft Salt bill. Reports bill to attaint Philips.

14, 15.

I 6. 18.

of Debts.

Correspondence.

ing power to Chancery Court.

Crown of Bath.

tendance of Assemblymen.

miner Court bill.

19.

2 0 .

26.

28.

June I . Assembly adjourns. June IO. Leaves Williamsburg. J ~ Y 19. At Monticello. Aug. I. Third daughter born (Mary Jefferson). Sept. 12. At Monticello. Oct. 7. Ordered into Custody of Sergeant a t

Oct. 12-NOV. 4. At Monticello. Nov. 22. At Tuckahoe.

Arms of Assembly.

29' At Cowles. 30. At Williamsburg.

Attends Assembly in custody of Sergeant

Dec. 1. On Committee to draft bill establishing

3- Oncommitteeon Privileges and Elections. On Committee on Propositions and

at Arms.

Auditors.

Grievances. 5. On Committee to draft Court of Appeals

bill.

xxii Itinerary and Chronology

1778.-Dec. 8.

12.

15.

18. 1 9.

177g.-Jan. 22.

Feb. 2.

Mar. I.

27. Apr. 21-29. May 8.

1 I.

13. 14.

‘ 5 .

On Committee to draft Pay-bill of Assem-

Ordered into Custody of Sergeant at

Attends Assembly in custody of Sergeant

On Committee to draft bill agreeable to

Reports bill to prevent Forestalling. Assembly adjourns.

bly.

Arms of Assembly.

at Arms.

resolution of Assembly.

At Williamsburg. At Wvilliamsburg.

At “The Forrest.” At Monticello. At Monticello. At Williamsburg.

Attends Meeting of “ Revisors.”

Attends Assembly. On Committee on Privileges and Elec-

On Committee on Propositions and

On Committee to draft Board of War bill. On Committee to draft Board of Trade

On Committee to draft Money bill. On Committee to draft Land Office bill. On Committee to draft Militia bill. On Committee to draft Militia Supply

bill. On Committee to draft Congressional

Delegate bill. On Committee to draft Foreign Exchange

bill. On Committee to draft Spottsylvania

County bill. On Committee t o amend Congressional

Delegate bill. On Committee to draft Counterfeit bill. Reports Escheat bill. Ordered to draft bill for paying Members

of Assembly. On Committee t o draft bill for removing

Ordered to draft bill prescribing Oaths.

tions.

Grievances.

bill.

capital.

c

Itinerary and Chronology xxiii 4

J ~ Y 1.

17. 2 5 .

Aug. 4. Sept. 25.

Nov. 30.

Ordered to draft bill suspending Oaths in certain cases.

0x1 Committee to report on Maryland’s action on Confederation.

Elected Governor of Virginia. Bill for Religious freedom introduced in

“Revisors” report Code to Assembly. Issues proclamation concerning Escheats

Assembly.

At “The Forrest.” At Williamsburg. At Monticello. At Williamsburg. Issues Proclamation laying Embargo.

Thomas Jefferson

structed me to give. Had the post been to go a day later we might have been at liberty to communi- cate this whole matter.

July 2. I have kept open my letter till this morn- ing but nothing more new. Adieu.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ’

FIRST DRAPT

A Declaration by the Representa- tives of the United States of America in general Congress assembled.

REPORTED DRAFT

A Declaration by the Representa- tives of the UNIT- EDSTATES OF AMERICA in Gen- eral Congress assembled.

July 4, 1776. ENGROSSED COPY

In Congress, July 4,1776. TheUnan- imous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America.

I The text in the first column is from a copy in the handwriting of John Adams, now in the Adams papers at Quincy, for which I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Charles Francis Adams and Mr. Theodore F. Dwight. From a comparison of it with the facsimile of Jefferson’s rough draft, it is evident that it represents the first phrasing of the paper. The text in the second column is approximately that reported by the committee to Congress, and is taken from Jefferson’s rough draft reproduced herein in facsimile from the original in the Department of State. The taxt in the third column is from the engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence, also in the Depart- ment of State. Another MSS. copy in Jefferson’s writing, slightly altered in wording, was inserted by him in his Autobiography, and is printed, ante, I, 35. This is in the Department of State, as is likewise a copy in his handwriting made for Madison in 1783, which is reproduced in facsimile in the Madison Papers, vol. iii. Between July 4th- loth, Jefferson made copies of the Declaration, indicating his p h d g and that adopted by the Congress, and sent them to R. H. k, Wythe, Page, Pendleton, and Mazzei, and probably others. Lee gave hia copy to the American Philosophical Society, where it now is. Those of Wythe, Page, and Pendleton have never been heard of. Mass&

200

When i n t h e coutse of human Events it becomes necessary for aPeo- pletoadvance from that Subordina- tion, in which they have hitherto re- mained and to as- sume among the P o w e r s of t h e Earth, the equal and independent Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent Respect to the opinions of Mankind requires that they should declare the Causes, which impel1 them to the Change.

We hold these Truths to be self evident ; that all Men are created equal and independent; that from that equal Creation they derive Rights

The Writings of

When i n t h e course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have con- nected them with another and to as- sume among the powers of the earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nat- ture's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self- evident that all men are created equal ; that they are endowed by their creator with inherent & inalienable

11776

When i n t h e Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have con- nected them with another, and to as- sume among the powersof theearth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Na- ture's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self- evident, that at1 men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable

gave his to the Countess de Tessie of France, and it has not been traced. A copy in Jefferson's writing is now owned by Dr. Thomas Addis Emmett, and a fragment of mother is in the possession of Mrs. Washburn of Boston, Thus at least five copies and a fragment of a sixth are sti l l extant.-Cf. a&, vol. i., 35.

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inherent and un- alienable ; among which are the Pres- ervation of Life, and Liberty, and the Pursuit of Hap- piness; that to secure these Ends, Goyernments are institutqd among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the governed; t ha t whenever, any form of Government, shall become destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter, or to abolish it, andto institutenew Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall Seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happi- ness. Prudence indeed will dictate that Governments long established should not change f o r l i g h t a n d

Thomas Jefferson

rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to s e c u r e these rights governments are insti- tuted among men deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; t ha t whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter orto abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likelyto effect their happiness. Prudence indeed will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes : and accordingly all experience hath shown that

nor

rights, that among these are Life, Lib- erty, and the pursuit of Happiness. -That to secure these rights, Gov- ernments are in- stituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. - That w h e n e v e r a n y Form of Govern- ment becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its founda- tionon such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happi- ness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments 1 on g established s h o u l d n o t be changed for light and t r a n s i e n t causes; and accord-

202

transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shown, that Man- kind are more disposed to Suffer, whileEvils are Suf- ferable, than to right themselves, by abolishing the Forms to which they are accus- tomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usur- p a t i o n s , begun at a distinguish’d Period, and pursuing invariably, the same o b j e c t , evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Power, it it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Gov- ernment, and to provide new Guards for their future Se- curity. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Neces- sity, which constrains them to ex-

The Writings of

mankind are more disposed to d e r while evils are suf- ferable, than to right themselves b y a b o l i s h i n g the forms to which they are accus- tomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations begun at a distinguished period and pursuing invariably t h e s a m e o b j e c t , evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism$ is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government and to provide newguards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies, and such isnowthe necessity which constrains them to expunge their former systems of government. The history of the present king

punge their former of Great Britain is

ingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are suf- ferable, t h a n to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accus- tomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is t h e i r d u t y , t o throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Gov- ernment. The history of the present K i n g o f G r e a t

17761 Thomas Jefferson 203

Systems of Gov- ernment. The His- tory of his present Majesty, is a His- tory of unremitting Injuries and Usur- pations, a m o n g which no one Fact stands Single or Solitary to contradict the uniform Tenor of the rest, all of which have in direct object, the Establishment of an absolute Tyr- anny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be Submitted to acan- did World, for the Truth of which We pledge a Faith, as y e t unsullied b y falsehood.

He has refused his Assent to Laws the most whole- some and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of im- mediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in

a history of unremitting injuries and usurpations, among which ap- pears no solitary fact to contradict the uniform tenor of the rest; but all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this let facts be submitted to a candid world, for the truth of which we pledge a faith yet unsullied by falsehood.

He has refused his assent to laws the most whole- some and necessary for the public good :

He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of imme- diate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their

Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most whole- some and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of im- mediate and press- h g importance., unless suspended in

204

their operation, till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended he has neglected utterly to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large Dis- tricts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Rep- resentation in the L e g i s l a t u r e , a Right inestimable to them and for- midable to Tyrants only.

He has dissolved Representative Houses, repeated- lv, and continuallv.

The Writings of

operation till his assent should be obtained,and when so suspended, he has utterlyneglect- ed to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people unless those people would relinquish the right of representation, in the legislature, a right inestimable to them, and for- midable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies a t places unusual, uncom- fortable and dis- t a n t f r o m t h e depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representa t ive houses repeatedly and continuallv

[I776

their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Repre- sentation in the Legislature, a right inestimable t o them, and formid- able to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncom- fortable, and dis- t a n t f r o m t h e depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguingthem into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representa t ive Houses repeatedly for opposing with

for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.

He has refused, for a long Space of Time after such Dissolutions, t o cause others to be elected, whereby the 1 e g i s lative Powers, incapable of annihilation, h a v e returned t o the People at large for their Exercise, the state remaining in the mean Time, exposed to all the Dangers of Inva- sion, from without, and Convulsions within-

He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for naturalization of foreigners ; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither; and raising the

for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the right of the people :

He has refused for a long time after such dissolutions to cause others to be electedwhereby the legislative powers incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large fortheir exercise, the state remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without and convulsions within :

He has endeav- ored to prevent the population of these states,for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither; and raising the

manly finnness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time after such dissolutions to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation have returned to the People a t large for their exercise, the State remaining, in the mean- time, exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising

The Writings of 11 776

Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has d e r e d the Administration of Justice totally to cease in some of these Colonies, refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made our Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their offices, and amount of their Salaries:

He has created a Multitude of new offices by a Self-as- sumed Power, and sent hither swarms of officers to har- rass ourpeople and eat out their Sub- stance.

He has k e p t among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies and Ships of war.

He has affected

conditions of new appropriations of lands :

He has sdered the administration of justice totally to cease in some of these states, refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers :

He has made judges dependant on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices and the amount and payment of their salaries :

He has erected a multitude of new offices by a self as- sumed power and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their sub- stance :

He has k e p t among us in times of peace, standing armies and ships of war without the consent of our legislatures :

He has affected

the conditions of new Appropria- tions of Lands.

He has obstruct- ed the Administra- tion of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their sub- stance.

He has k e p t among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected

3 7 761

to render the military, independent of, and Superiour to, the civil Power.

He has combined with others to sub- ject us to a Juris- diction foreign to our Constitution a n d unacknow- ledged b y o u r Laws; giving his Assent to their pretended Acts of legislation; for quartering large Bodies of armed Troops among us ; for protecting them by a Mock Tryal from Punishment f o r any Murders they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States ; for cutting off o u r Tradewith all Parts of the World; for imposing Taxes on us without our Consent; for depriving Us of the Benefits of Trial by Jury; for transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses,

Thomas Jefferson

to render the military, independent of and superior to the civil power:

He has combined with others to sub- ject us to a juris- diction foreign to our constitutions a n d unacknow- ledged by our laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation, for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us; for protecting them by a mock trial from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states; for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; for imposing taxes on us without our consent; for depriving us in many cases of the benefits of trial by jury; for transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences;

207

to render the Yili- tary independent of and s u p e k r to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to sub- ject us to a jutis- diction foreign to our constitution, a n d unacknow- ledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation : -For quartering large bodies of a r m e d t r o o p s among us: - For protecting them,by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabi- tan ts of t h e s e States:-For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world : - For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent :-For depriving us in many cases of the benefits of Trial by jury :-For transporting us beyond

208

fortaking awayour Charters, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Government; for suspending our own Legislatures and d e c l a r i n g themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, withdrawing h i s Governors, a n d

The Writings of for abolishing the free system of Eng- lish laws in aneigh- boring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government and enlarging i t s boundaries so as to render -it at once an example and fit instrument for in- troducing the same absolute rule into these colonies; for taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, a n d fundamentally the forms of our governments, for suspending our own legislatures a n d declaring t h e m - selves invested withpower to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever:

He has abdicated government here, withdrawing h i s governors, a n d

E1776

Seas to be tried for pretended offences : - For abolishing the free System of English Laws i n a neighbouring Pro- vince, establishing therein an Arbi- trary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for in- troducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies :- For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Gov- ernments : - For suspending o u r own Legislatures, a n d declar ing themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here by declaring us out of his Protection,

17 761

declaring US, out of his Allegiance and Protection.

H e h a s plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Livesof our People. He is at this Time

transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries t o c o m p l e t e t h e Works of death, Desolation, a n d Tyranny, already begun with Cir- c u m s t a n c e s of Cruelty and Per- fidy unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.

He has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, w h o s e known Rule of Warfare is an undistinguished De- struction of a l l Ages, Sexes, and

POL. n.-l+

Thomas Jefferson

declaring us out of his allegiance and protection.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns and destroyed the lives of our people :

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries t o c o m p l e t e t h e works of death, desolation a n d tyranny already begun with cir- c u m s t a n c e s of cruelty and perfidy unworthy the head of a civilized nation :

He has endeav- ored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, w h o s e known r u l e of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and

and waging war against us :-

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the Lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries t o c o m p l e a t t h e works of death, desolation, a n d tyranny, already begun with cir- c u m s t a n c e s of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most bar- barous ages, totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has excited domestic insurrec- tion among us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whsse known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished

2 IO

Conditions of ex- istence.

He has incited treasonable Insur- rections of o u r Fellow Citizens, with the allure- ment of Forfeiture and Confiscation of our Property.

He has waged cruel War against human Nature it- self, violating its most sacred Rights of Life and Liberty in the Persons of a distant People who never of fended h i m, captivating and carrying them into Slavery in another Hemisphere, or to incur miser- able Death, in

The Writings of conditions of exist- ence.

He has incited treasonable insur- rections of o u r fellow -c i t i z e ns, with the allure- ments of forfeiture and confiscation of our property:

H e h a s con- strained others, taken captive on the high seas to bear arms against their country, to become the execu- tioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands :

He has waged cruel war against human nature it- self, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of distant people, who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere, or to incur miser- able death in their

destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

H e h a s con- strained our fellow citizens taken Cap- tive on the high Seas, to bear arms against their Coun- try, to become the execut ioners of their friends and Brethren, or t o fall themselves by their Hands.

their Transporta- tion thither. This piratical Warfare, the opprobrium of infidel Powers, is the Warfare of the Christian King of Great Britain .

He has prosti- tuted his Negative for Suppressing every legislative Attempt to prohibit or to restrain an execrable Com- merce, d e t e r- mined to keep bpen a Markett where Men s h o u l d be bought and sold, and that this assemblage of Hor- rors might want no Fact of d i s t i n - guished Die

He is now exciting those very Peo- ple to rise in Arms among us, and to purchase their Lib- erty of which he has deprived them, by murdering the P e o p l e u p o n whom he also obtruded them: thus paying off, former

Thomas Jefferson

t r a n s p o r t a t i o n thither. This piratical warfare, the

fidel powers, is the warfare of t h e Christian king of Great Britain. De- termined to keep open a market where Men should be bought and sold, he has prosti- tuted his negative for suppress ing every legislative attempt to prohibit or to restrain this e x e c r a b l e commerce: and that this assemblage of horrors might want no fact of distinguished dye, he is now exciting those very people to rise in arms among us, and to purchase that l i b e r t y o f which he has deprived t h e m b y murdering the people upon whom he also obtruded them; thus paying off former crime committed against

Opprobrium of in-

2 1 E

212

Crimes committed against the Liber- ties of one People, with Crimes which he urges them to commit against the Lives of another.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress, in the m o s t h u m b l e Terms; our repeated Petitions have been answered by repeated Injury. A Prince, w h o s e Character is thus marked by every Act which may de- fine a Tyrant,isun- fit to be the Ruler of a People who mean to be free.- future ages will scarce believe, that the Hardiness of one Man, adven- tured, within the Short Compass of twelve years only, on so many Acts of Tyranny, without a Mask, over a Peo- ple, fostered and iixed in the Princi- ples of Liberty.

The Writings of

the liberties of one people, with crimes which he urges them to commit against the lives of another.

In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the m o s t h u m b l e terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injuries. Aprince whose character is thus marked by every act which may de- fine a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a people who mean to be free. Future ages will scarce believe that the hardiness of one man adven- tured within the short compass of twelve years only, to build a foundation, so broad and undisguised for tyranny over a people fostered and fixed in the principles of freedom.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the m o s t h u m b l e terms: out repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injuries.

A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may de- fine a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Thomas Jefferson

Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them from Time to Time of attempts of their Legislature to extend a Juris- diction over these o u r States. We h a v e reminded them of the Cir- cumstances of our Emigration a n d Settlement here, no one of which could warrant so strange a Preten- sion. That these were effected at the expense of our own Blood and Treas- ure, unassisted by the Wealth or the Strength of Great Britain ; that in constituting indeed, our Several Forms of Govern- m e n t , we h a d adopted one common King, thereby laying a Founda- tion for Perpetual League and Amity with them ; but

Nor have we been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an un- warrantable juris- diction over these our states. We have r e m i n d e d them of the cir- cumstances of our emigration and settlement here, no one of which could warrant so strange a pretension: that these were effected at the expence of our own blood and treasure, unassisted by the wealth or strength of Great Britain: that in constituting indeed our several forms of government, we had a d o p t e d a common k i n g, thereby laying a foundation for perpetual league and amity with them: but that submis-

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an un- warrantable juris- diction o v e r us. We have reminded them of the cir- cumstances of cnu emigration a n d settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred t o disavow t h e s e usurpations which would inevitably interrupt our connection and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must therefore +cquiesce in .the necessity which denounces our separation and

.The Writings of

that Submission to their Parliament, was no Part of our Constitution, nos ever in Idea, if History may be credited; and we appealed to their Nature, Justice and Magnanimity, as well as to the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these usurpations, which were likely to interrupt ourCorrespondence a n d Connection. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity, and w h e n occasions have been given them by the regu- lar Course of their Laws of removing from their Coun- cils, the Disturbers of our Harmony, they have by their freeElection, re- established them in Power. At this very Time too, they are permit- ting their Chief

sion to their park- hold them, as we ment was no part hold the rest of of our constitution mankind, Enemies nor ever in idea, if in War, in Peace history be credited ; Friends. and we have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, as well as to the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations which were likely to intemtpt our connection and correspondence. Theytoo have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity, and when occasions have been given them, by the regu- lar course of their laws of removing from their councils the disturbers of our harmony, they have by their free elections re-estab lished them in power. At this very time they are per- mitting their chief magistrate to send

1774 Thomas Jefferson

Magistrate to send over not only sol- diers of our common Blood, but Scotch and foreign Mercenaries, to in- vade and deluge us in Blood. These Facts have given the last Stab to agonizing aff ection , and manly Spirit bids us to renounce forever these un- feeling Brethren. We must endeav- our to forget our former Love for them, and to hold them, as we hold the rest of Man- k i n d , enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We might have been a free and a great People together but a Communication of Grandeur and of Freedom it seems is below their Dig- nity. Be it so, since they will have it : The Road to Hap- piness and to Glory is open to us too; we will climb it,

over not only sol- diers of our OWL)

blood, but Scotch and other foreign mercenaries, to in- vade and destroy us. These facts have given the last stab to agonizing affections, a n d manly spirit bids us to renounce forever these unfeel- ing brethren. We must endeavor to forget our former love for them, to hold them as we hold the rest of mankind enemies in war, in peace friends .

We might have been a free and a great people together; but a communication of grandeur and of freedom it seems, is below their dignity. Be it so, since they will have it: the road to happiness and to glory is open to us too; we will climb it apart from them, and

216 The Writings of [I 7 76

apart from them, and acquiesce in t h e N e c e s s i t y which denounces our eternal Separa- tion.

We therefore the Representatives of the United States of America, in Gen- eral Congress assembled, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the g o o d People of these States, reject and renounce all Allegiance a n d Subjection to the Kings of Great Britain, and all others, who may hereafter claim by, through, or under them; We utterly dissolve and break off, all political Connection which may have heretofore subsisted between us and the People or Parlia- ment of Great Brit- ain, and finally we do assert and declare these Colonies to be free and in-

acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our eternal separation !

We therefore the representatives of the United States in General Con- gress assembled in the name and by authority of the good people of these states, reject and renounce all allegiance and subjection to the kings of Great Britain and all others who m a y hereafter claim by, through, or under them ; we utterly dissolve all political connection which may heretofore h a v e subsisted between us and the people or parliament of Great Britain, and finally we do assert and declare these colonies to be free and independant, and that as free and i n d e p e n d a n t

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled, appeal- ing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these United Col- onies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Indepen- dent States; that they are Absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved ; and

dependent states, and that BS free and independent States they shall hereafter h a v e Power to levy War, conclude P e a c e, contract Alliances, establish C o m- merce, and to do all other Acts and Things which independent States may of Right do. And for the Sup- port of this Decla- ration, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honour.

states, they have full power to levy war, c o n c l u d e peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the sup- port of this declaration we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.

that as Free and I n d e p e n d e n t states, they have full Power to levy War, c o n c l u d e Peace, contract Al- liances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which I n d e p e n d e n t States may of right do.

And for the sup- port of this Decla- ration, with a firm reliance on the protection of di- vine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our For- tunes, a n d o u r sacred Honor.

TO RICHARD HENRY LEE '

PHILADELPHIA, July 8th, 1776.

DEAR SIR,-For news, I refer you to your brother, who writes on that head. I enclose a copy of the Declaration of Independence, as agreed to by the House, and also as originally framed: you will judge whether it is the better of worse for the critics. I shall return to Virginia after the 11th of August. I

I From Lee's Lije of R. H. Lee, i., "75.

218 The Writings of

wish my successor may be certain to come before that time: in that case, I shall hope to see you, and not Wythe, in convention, that the business of government, which if of everlasting concern, may receive your aid. Adieu, and believe me to be your friend and servant.

TO GEORGE WYTHE'

UdY ? 1776.1 The dignity and stability of government in all its

branches, the morals of the people, and every bless- ing of society, depend so much upon an upright and skillful administration of justice, that the judicial power ought to be distinct from both the legislature and executive, and independent upon both, that so it may be a check upon both, as both should be checks upon that. The judges, therefore, should al- ways be men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness and attention ; their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests ; they should not be dependent upon any man or body of men. To these ends they should hold estates for life in their offices, or, in other words, their commissions should be during good behavior, and their salaries ascertained and established by law.

For misbehavior, the grand inquest of the colony, the house of representatives, should impeach them before the governor and council, when they should

.have time and opportunity to make their defence; but if convicted, should be removed from their offi-

I A fragment from The Balance, ii., 146.

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