Extract from Thomas Jefferson’s Draft of the Declaration of Independence
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for a people to advance from that subordination in which they have hitherto remained, & to assume among the powers of the earth the equal & independant station. ... We hold these truths to be sacred and undeniable; that all men are created equal & independant, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness
Dft (DLC); endorsed by TJ, late in life: “Independence. Declaration of original Rough draught.” Published in PTJ, 1:413–433.
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July 4, 1776
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