Thomas Jefferson Writings and Biography

Click for larger image. Thomas Jefferson; Peale, Rembrandt; 1800

Biography and other info. coming soon...

Other Writings:

Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, July 6, 1775 - Declaration of the Second Continental Congress, written by John Dickinson and Thomas Jefferson, on the reasons for starting a violent revolution against the British.

Virginia Declaration of Rights, 1776 - Drawn up and ratified in Convention for the Colony of Virginia just prior to the Declaration of Independence, this document formed an important part of the Constitution of the State of Virginia, also supporting the future federal Bill of Rights.

Preamble to the Virginia Constitution, June 29, 1776 - Written by Thomas Jefferson, lists grievances against the Colonies.

A Summary View of the Rights of British America - Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson's Opinion (On the Constitutionality of the National Bank) - Letter to President Washington, February 15, 1791. Provides excellent summary of the powers of Congress, and the difference between "necessity" and "convenience."

Political Writings from The National Gazette (1791-1793) - Started as a second national newspaper to The Gazette of the United States, The National Gazette was edited by Phillip Freneau and supported by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison through frequent contribution of articles. It appears by the nature of the articles, and Hamilton's statements, that the purpose of the paper was to question the constitutionality of Hamilton's policies.

Virginia Resolutions of 1798 and 1799 and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 and 1799 - Authored by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson in the case of Virginia, and Jefferson alone in the case of Kentucky. These Acts were done in protest of the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by Congress.

Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Thomas Jefferson's Second Inaugural Address, March 4, 1805.

Other Sites:

Thomas Jefferson - The University of Virginia maintains this list of links to quotes, bibliographies of his writings, and organizations promoting his works.