WINSTON WEEKLY[1]

Vol. 2, No. 27

July 7, 2024

BEYOND THE FIREWORKS

There may still be a few fireworks or remnants from the recent celebrations, but the significance of Independence Day remains strong. Although people have differing opinions of our freedom, the Declaration of Independence, and separating from Great Britain, the history and traditions provide endless learning opportunities.

Some personal favorites of history leading up to and following the Declaration of Independence are the thousands of items from Thomas Jefferson held by the Manuscript Division within the Library of Congress. www.loc.gov. Within the collection of “Thomas Jefferson Papers” between 1743 and 1836 are Lincoln’s drafts of the Declaration of Independence, many scientific observations, and even wool samples. Jefferson’s life at Monticello is reflected in correspondence with his daughters, Martha and Mary, and household accounts kept by his wife, Mary Jefferson Epps who died in 1804.

As a former litigator, I am intrigued by Jefferson’s “Commonplace Books” which include notes of cases made by Jefferson while studying law. In 1989, Princeton University Press published Jefferson’s Literacy Commonplace Book, The Papers of Thomas Jefferson. For anyone interested in Virginia, Jefferson’s views extended well beyond the law and included plantations, poetry, and the weather. Within Jefferson’s collections are remnants of poetry scrapbooks. It is believed that an unfinished poem, “To Ellen” may have been intended for his granddaughter Ellen Wayles Coolidge. The following is an excerpt:

Tis hope supports each noble flame,

Tis hope inspires poetic lays.

Our heroes fight in hopes of fame,

And poets write in hopes of praise.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY

Explore the rich history of Independence Day, whether near or far. In addition to Thomas Jefferson, the “Committee of Five” selected by Congress included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert R. Livingston. If you have an opportunity, visit the National Archives Museum at 701 Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, home of the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. For those interested in a more accessible version of the documents, Richard Beeman’s book, The Penguin Guide to the United States Constitution is a wonderful resource.

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[1] Copyright July 7, 2024. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute. Alysen’s views are her own.