Page 83 - JM Book 9/2020

As Thomson read, Jefferson began to wonder what Congress might do to his document. Would it be approved with additional changes? Or would it be completely rewritten? It was impossible for him to imagine how it could be changed.
Every delegate listened intently as Thomson continued to read.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; . . .”
When he finished reading, Harrison suggested that the committee of the whole review the document line-by-line to give each delegate the opportunity to offer any changes they might like to make. “I know you are as impressed with Jefferson’s work as I am. However, we do not want anyone to misunderstand our motives. We want to make certain this declaration is a clear and concise statement that everyone will understand. Mr. Thomson, please begin to read . . . slowly . . . sentence-by-sentence.”
Thomson stood and moved in front of his worktable. He held the document with both hands, cleared his throat and began to read very slowly and deliberately.
“When in the course . . . of human events . . . it becomes necessary . . . for one people . . . to dissolve the political bands . . . which have connected them . . . with another, . . .”
One by one, the delegates began to make suggestions for changes. Jefferson never attempted to defend his work. He left that to John Adams. Instead, he listened to every word that was said and made notes of the changes.
However, as the delegates reviewed the declaration, Franklin observed that his young friend was visibly upset by the changes that were being made. So he told Jefferson a story about a friend who wanted to get a sign painted for his new hatter’s shop.
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