Thomas Jefferson. Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence, June–July 1776. Manuscript. Thomas Jefferson Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress (34)
[Digital ID# us0034tt_1 — us0034tt_4]
Declaration of Independence Rough Draft
The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and heavily amended by the Continental Congress, boldly asserted humanity's right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as well as the American colonies' right to revolt against an oppressive British government.
Jefferson's "original Rough draught" illustrates Jefferson's literary flair and records key changes made by Benjamin Franklin; John Adams, and the Continental Congress before its July 4, 1776 adoption.