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The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 1 (of 9)

by Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

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  • 6 chapters
  • Reading level: 8th & 9th grade

"The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 1 (of 9)" by Thomas Jefferson is a collection of historical documents, including Jefferson's autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, and addresses. It was written in the early to mid-19th century and encompasses a vital period leading up to and including the American Revolution. The collection sheds light on Jefferson's influence in shaping the United States' founding principles, and covers a wide array of topics such as governance, personal philosophy, and the interplay between liberty and authority. At the start of the volume, Jefferson begins his autobiography with his ancestry and early life, detailing his family's lineage and his father's achievements. He recounts his education, the influences that shaped his thinking, and his early involvement in Virginia's legislature, showcasing his perspective on the tensions with Great Britain. Jefferson provides an intimate look at significant historical events as seen through his eyes, including the evolution of colonial governance, his marriage, and the initial stirrings of revolution. The opening serves not only as a personal narrative but also as a foundational account of the thoughts and actions that would later culminate in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

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  • United States · Politics and government · 1775-1783
  • United States · Politics and government · 1783-1865

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Book I

AUTOBIOGRAPHY, WITH APPENDIX.

INTRODUCTORY TO BOOK I.

In the arrangement which has been adopted, Book I. comprises the Autobiography and Appendix. The Autobiography extends to the 21st of March, 1790, when Mr. Jefferson arrived in New York to enter upon the duties of the Department of State, and embraces a variety of important subjects, such as the rise and progress of the difficulties between Great Britain and her North American Colonies—the circumstances connected with the Declaration of Independence—the debates in Congress upon the adoption thereof, as reduced to writing by Mr. Jefferson at the time—the history of the Articles of Confederation—early stages of the French Revolution—revision of the Penal Code of Virginia—abolition of her laws of Primogeniture—overthrow of her Church Establishment—Act of Religious Freedom, &c.—all matter interesting in itself, but rendered particularly so by the fact that it comes from one who was himself a chief actor in the scenes which he describes.

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Contents

  1. Preface
  2. Book I
  3. Book I
  4. Appendix
  5. Part I
  6. Part II

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About this edition

This free edition of The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 1 (of 9) by Thomas Jefferson comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #45847, released 2014-05-31. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Biographies, Essays, Letters & Speeches, History - American.

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