Page 124 - JM Book 9/2020

The silence, except for the sound of Jefferson’s footsteps on the wide-board floor, was broken when delegates began to clap. He modestly bowed his head. The applause continued until he was seated.
Secretary Thomson continued to call the names of delegates from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
The last person to sign was George Walton of Georgia. Although born in Virginia, he became very active in the patriot movement in Georgia and was elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1776.
After Walton returned to his table, the large, white-paneled room became completely silent as it had on July 4th when the wording of the Declaration had been approved. The only sounds were the muffled outside noises that could be heard through the closed windows. Everyone appeared to be deep in their own thoughts.
Suddenly, voices began to be heard around the room. They were talking to each other in unison. The voices were animated and loud. They continued for several minutes. Then, as suddenly as the roar of voices began, they became softer. The delegates began to pair off into small groups for quieter conversations.
Thomas Jefferson found himself surrounded by his patriot friends. He stood and accepted their appreciation, their thanks, and their gratitude for his work on the Declaration.
“You have reason to be proud today, my friend,” stated Benjamin Franklin, who had waited until everyone else had spoken. Jefferson moved his chair closer to Franklin. “Your work has been vindicated by the signatures of these men.”
The disappointment he had felt by the changes made to the Declaration had passed. He had compared his original draft with the version approved on July 4 and concluded that it was a better document.
“They recognize and appreciate the depth of your mind and your special talent with the pen,” Franklin continued, “even those who upset you with their changes. I believe the American people will share their feelings.”
Jefferson was very satisfied with the role he had played. He was proud that his work had been accepted. He was especially relieved that America had taken steps to declare independence from the British government.
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