History is full of fascinating facts! Here’s just one example:

Thomas Jefferson, from Virginia, and John Adams from Massachusetts, became fast friends during the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. It was here that Tom wrote the Declaration of Independence in only 17 days without book or pamphlet, while residing at the Graff House.

When Tom’s draft was presented to the Congress, Tom did not speak on its behalf, on behalf of his immortal document. Tom was not a very good public speaker. His voice was high and shrill and barely audible to a group.

John Adams, who together with Benjamin Franklin, was on the committee to draft such a declaration, should one be needed, was the one who defended the draft to the members of Congress. He became a hero in Tom’s eyes for his dramatic representation of the Declaration of Independence. Tom referred to John as the Colossus of the Debate for his fearsome defense of Tom’s draft. It of course, was approved.

Later they would both serve the Congress in France to represent the interests of America in the Revolutionary War. Later they would both serve President George Washington, John as Vice President, and Tom as Secretary of State. There their views differed. They became enemies when they both were named as candidates to take George Washington’s place as President.

John won the election. Then he was ousted when Tom won the next election. They didn’t speak to each other for a dozen years. Later one of their mutual friends, Doctor Benjamin Rush, conversed separately with each of them and showed them how silly it was that they didn’t communicate with each other after all they had done together for the country.

John Adams made the first overture in writing and Thomas Jefferson immediately responded. They were both Patriots, lawyers, and Presidents. They both loved to read, and had great libraries. They carried on a great correspondence in letters for the next 14 years.

Their letters include every topic that interested them, from government and freedom, to politics and farming. From music to books, and every subject that interested them. In these letters they taught each other many impressive ideas. They were two very interested and interesting men!

Thomas Jefferson died peacefully at Monticello on July 4, 1726, the 50^th anniversary of that wondrous document they both fought for—The Declaration of Independence. Coincidentally, his dear friend and fellow patriot, John Adams, died only a few hours later on that very same day!