jefferson lives

Fifty years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, on July 4th, 1826, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two great giants, lay on their deathbeds. Throughout the public careers of these two men, they have always been good friends and better rivals. As co-authors of the declaration they had labored together over the founding of the country. Although that document was written primarily by Jefferson, Adams spearheaded the debate on its adoption. Years later, Jefferson hailed Adams as "the pillar of [the Declaration's] support on the floor of Congress, its ablest advocate and defender against the multifarious assaults it encountered.” As political rivals, they lead opposing parties and debated over the specifics of daily governing. Jefferson’s road to the presidency culminated in the defeating Adam’s bid for reelection. On the Fourth of July, as Adams laid on his deathbed, he famously uttered his last words: “Thomas Jefferson survives”, not knowing that a few hours earlier, Jefferson had passed. Two lives dedicated to public service, it’s almost sort of fitting that they both passed on the 50th anniversary of their greatest work.

Happy 4th!