Thomas Jefferson's Handwritten Drafts & Historical Notes

Engravings and transcriptions taken from Thomas Jefferson's original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, featuring handwritten emendations by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams prior to submission to the Continental Congress.

THOMAS JEFFERSON'S HANDWRITTEN DRAFTS

The following four images are of engravings taken from Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, in his handwriting with emendations in the handwritings of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. Tapping the "ENLARGE" button will display the image in full-size.

First page. Handwritten draft text with editing notes and crossed out words, on faded parchment paper.

ENLARGE PAGE 1

Second page. Handwritten draft text with editing notes and crossed out words, on faded parchment paper.

ENLARGE PAGE 2

Third page. Handwritten draft text with editing notes and crossed out words, on faded parchment paper.

ENLARGE PAGE 3

Fourth page. Handwritten draft text with editing notes and crossed out words, on faded parchment paper.

ENLARGE PAGE 4