Shown below is a facsimile of Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, complete with edits and annotations.

At the Second Continental Congress, which convened during the opening throes of the Revolution in 1775, the delegates overwhelmingly supported issuing a formal declaration of independence from Great Britain.  Jefferson, though one of the youngest delegates at only 33, was selected, with support from John Adams, as a member of the Committee of Five.  Congress charged this committee with authoring the founding document.  In addition to Adams and Jefferson, the committee also included Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman.  While the committee initially expected Adams to be the primary author, Adams successfully argued for Jefferson, championing his popularity, erudition, and excellent writing skills.

After consultation with his fellow members, Jefferson isolated himself to write America’s argument for independence and freedom between June 11 and 28, 1776, crafting one of the most celebrated political documents.

This facsimile is of what is referred to as the “original rough draft,” written by Jefferson, with copy edits by Franklin, Adams, and possibly other members of Congress.  The original is held with the Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress.  This facsimile was published in “Life and Times of Washington” by John Frederick Schroeder, D.D.; New York; Johnson, Fry, and Company; 1857.