The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-04-25
NEW ORLEANS. FRIDAY MORNING. APRIL rs 1851
Draft Of the Declaration Of Indepen-
dence.

In his autobiography, John Adams gives the
following account Of the circumstances which led
to the selection of Jefferson to draw the Declara-
tion Of Independence.
The Committee Of independence were Thomas
Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger
Sherman, and Robert X. Livingston. Mr.. Jefferson
had been now about year member Of Congress,
but had attended his duty in the House very
small part uf the time, and when there had never
spoken in public. During the whole time 1 sat
with him in Congress | never heard him utter
three sentences together.
1t will naturally be inquired how it happened
that he was spponted on a committee Of such i'm
portance. There were more reasons than one.
Mr.. Jefferson had the reputation of mastery
pen he had been chosen delegate in Virginia,
in consequence Of very handsome public paper
which he had written for the House Of Burgesses,
which had given him the character Of fine writer.
Another reason was, that Mr. Richard Henry Lee
was not beloved by the most Of his colleagues from
Virginia, and Mr.. Jefferson was set up to rival and
supplant him. This could be done only by the
pen, for Mr.. Jefferson could stand no competition
with him. or any one else in elocution and public
debate.
Here will interrupt the narration for a moment,
to observe, that from all have read of the history
of Greece and Rome, England and France, and all
have observed at home and abroad, eloquence in
public assemblies is not the surest road to fame or
preferment, at least, unless it be used with eau
ton, very rarely, and with great reserve. The ex-
amples of Washington, Franklin, and Jefferson,
are enough TO show that silence and reserve in
public, are more efficacious than augmentation OF
oratory. public speaker who inserts himself, or
is urged by others, into the conduct of AFFAIRS by
daily exertions to justify his measures, and answer
the objections of opponents, makes himself toe
familiar with the public, and unavoidably makes
himself enemies.
Few persons can bear to be outdone in reasoning
np doc
satire and all these things are very apt to grow ou
of public debate. In this way, in course Of
years, nation becomes full of mans enemies
or at least, of such as have been CALLED in some
controversy, and take secret pleasure in assisting
to humble and mortify him. So much for thi,
digression. We will now return to our memoirs
The committee had several meetings, in which
were proposed the articles of which the declaration
was TO consist, and minutes made of them. The
COMMITTEES then appointed Mr.. Jefferson and me tt
draw them up in form, and clothe them in propeI
dress. The subcommittee met, and considered
the minutes, making such observations on them as
then occurred, when Mr.. Jefferson desired me tc
take them TO my lodging, and make the draught
This declined, and gave several reasons for de-
clining.
]. That he was a virgnan, and l a Masachu
settensan. g. That he was a southern man. and
! a northern one. B. That l had been so obnox.
lous for my early and constant zeal in promoting
the measure, that every draught of mine would
undergo more severe scrutiny and criticism IL
Congress, than one of his composition. T. Ant
lastly, and that would be reason enough, if there
were no other, bad great opinion of the ele
gance of his pen, and none at all of my own.
therefore insisted that no hesitation should be mad.
on his part He accordingly took the minutes, and
in day or Two produced to me his draught Whethe
| made or suggested any correction, l remembe
not The report was made to the committee of five
by them examined, but whether altered or correct
ed in any thing, cannot recollect. But, in sub
stance at least it was reported Congress, where
after severe criticism, and striking out several O
the most oratorical paragraphs, it was adopted o.
the fourth of July, I776, and published to tn
world.