In 1822 John Adams, one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence, wrote a letter to Timothy Pickering, answering his question as to why such a young man as Thomas Jefferson (age 33) was chosen to write the Declaration
In 1822 John Adams, one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence, wrote a letter to Timothy Pickering, answering his question as to why such a young man as Thomas Jefferson (age 33) was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence. Adams responds that Jefferson “was so prompt, frank, explicit, and decisive upon committees and in conversation … that he soon seized upon my heart.”
In June 1776, the Continental Congress had created three committees, all focused on creating independence from King George’s England. One was to draft a declaration of independence. One was to prepare the Articles of Confederation, which were completed in 1777, and served as our country’s first constitution. The third committee was to prepare a treaty to be proposed to France. France ultimately became our ally in the Revolutionary War. What an amazing start our country had!
The Continental Congress, which preceded our Congress, was voting on who should join what committee, and Adams did his best to get members to vote for Thomas Jefferson. He even voted for him, but others voted for Adams. Jefferson had one vote more than Adams. The other three committee members appointed the two of them to create the first draft. The two of them met and Jefferson suggested that Adams do it.
Adams records the conversation as such:
Adams: I will not.
Jefferson: You should do it.
Adams: Oh! no.
Jefferson: Why will you not? You ought to do it.
Adams: I will not.
Jefferson: Why?
Adams: Reasons enough.
Jefferson: What can be your reasons?
Adams: Reason first, you are a Virginian, and a Virginian out to appear at the head of this business. Reason second, I am obnoxious, suspected, and unpopular. You are very much otherwise. Reason third, you can write ten times better than I can.
Jefferson: Well … if you are decided, I will do as well as I can.
Adams: Very well. When you have drawn it up, we will have a meeting.
Jefferson started writing the Declaration of Independence in seclusion on June 11, 1776. When completed he and Adams met, and Adams didn’t change a word. The others in the committee did make some suggestions. Jefferson rewrote it and then presented it on June 28, 1776.
Its title was “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled.” Congress ordered that the draft “lie on the table” for two days, in which it was edited. One fourth of it was removed, and Jefferson felt that Congress had “mangled” it.
On July 2, 1776, the Congress decided to cast a vote for its independence from England. There were 13 colonies, and each colony had one vote although they had varying numbers of delegates according to population. The delegates in each colony had to come to agreement amongst themselves.
There was one abstention (NY was not authorized to vote for independence. However, a week later they were). Twelve colonies voted for independence. With that decision made, they focused on the wording of the Declaration of Independence, and on July 4, 1776 they sent the final copy out to be printed. This became the day recognized as the day the United States became a new and free nation.
It was signed by 56 men. Men who were willing to stand up to a bully government when they felt their rights of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness were not being honored. They were 56 honorable men who trusted and believed in each other. They voted and acted for the good of their people understanding the risks they were taking.
Most supported the war with their own fortunes, and some lost their homes and lives. The final sentence says, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
To this day, they set an example for all of our elected representatives. To them honor was sacred. I have heard youth disheartened by the dishonorable antics of some elected officials. Trust is disappearing in our government.
So let’s remember the example of those 56 men on voting day, and let’s be honorable and trustworthy ourselves. Our government depends upon actively involved intelligent, educated people who are able to see the good of the whole nation in relationship to “Nature” and “Providence.” Our vote shapes our nation.
If you want to know what Thomas Jefferson looks like, look at the president on the $5 bill. To read the Declaration of Independence in its fullness go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence
Research for John Adams’ letter from: http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/jefferson.htm
• Hale Opio Kauai convened a support group of adults in our Kauai community to “step into the corner” for our teens, to answer questions and give support to youth and their families on a wide variety of issues. Please email your questions or concerns facing our youth and families today to Annaleah Atkinson at aatkinson@haleopio.org
