Daily Jefferson: On June 28, 1776 a Draft of the Declaration of Independence was Given to Congress

The Declaration of Independence was one of the three accomplishments Thomas Jefferson wanted written on his tombstone. His tombstone reads: HERE WAS BURIEDTHOMAS JEFFERSONAUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OFAMERICAN INDEPENDENCEOF THE STATUTE OF VIRGINIA FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOMAND FATHER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA Today in 1776, the draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Jefferson and edited by the remaining committee … Continue reading “Daily Jefferson: On June 28, 1776 a Draft of the Declaration of Independence was Given to Congress”

Daily Jefferson: June 27, 1813 Letter to John Adams

Jefferson wrote to Adams on June 27, 1813: the summum bonum with me is now truly Epicurean, ease of body and tranquility of mind; and to these I wish to consign my remaining days. He did a lot of Epicurean pursuits in his older age, but he did not completely retire from public life. He had a … Continue reading “Daily Jefferson: June 27, 1813 Letter to John Adams”

Daily Jefferson: June 26, 1822 Letter – Not a Young Man Now Living in the U.S. Who Will Not Die an Unitarian.

Later in his life, Thomas Jefferson became more candid about his religious beliefs in his correspondence. During the presidential years, Jefferson’s view were similar to those expressed in this letter but he was reluctant to give his opponents material to use to criticize him. Thus, it was not uncommon for him to ask his friends … Continue reading “Daily Jefferson: June 26, 1822 Letter – Not a Young Man Now Living in the U.S. Who Will Not Die an Unitarian.”

Daily Jefferson: In a June 25, 1819 Letter to Ezra Stiles Ely, Jefferson Says He is a Sect by Himself

On June 25, 1819, Thomas Jefferson wrote to Ezra Stiles Ely about his religious views. In the letter he famously said: I am of a sect by myself, as far as I know. The entire letter is below. Jefferson distinguishes himself from Calvinists and Jews and tells Ely that he believes in the moral teachings … Continue reading “Daily Jefferson: In a June 25, 1819 Letter to Ezra Stiles Ely, Jefferson Says He is a Sect by Himself”

Daily Jefferson: June 24, 1826 Letter Declining Invitation to Celebrate 50th Year of Independence in Washington

In late June of 1826, Thomas Jefferson was in decline. He knew he was ill but continued to carry on correspondence until he died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson had been invited to attend a 50 year celebration in Washington DC by Roger Weightman and, despite his ill health, declined the invitation with a remarkable … Continue reading “Daily Jefferson: June 24, 1826 Letter Declining Invitation to Celebrate 50th Year of Independence in Washington”