Mason's work was known to Thomas Jefferson and influenced his drafting of the Declaration of Independence.
Franklin was also ubiquitous, the only person present at all three founding moments of American independence: the drafting of the Declaration of Independence; the negotiations that produced the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War; and the great debate that resulted in the Constitution.
Two-hundred-thirty-seven years after the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, American belief in -- or hope for -- God's presence in the political realm lives on.
Ask them if I was reading Thomas Jefferson's Notes on the State of Virginia, and his autobiography, which details the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, including his line attacking slavery that didn't make the cut.
Below that are pictures showing William Penn's treaty with the Indians, George Washington's Farewell Address to Congress, the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence, the Philadelphia Convention, the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin's printing office, Betsy Ross exhibiting the United States flag, and Caesar Rodney's ride from Delaware.
Translators and adult facilitators were available to help overcome any disagreements or challenging language barriers among the delegates, but the discussion and drafting of the declaration was led by the young people themselves.
On exhibit is a draft of the Declaration of Independence, in Thomas Jefferson's own hand.
They are divided into nine groups, including financial statements and drafts of the Declaration of Independence.
The pediment over the portico depicts Jefferson reading his draft of the Declaration of Independence.
The Library of Congress also has many online documents, including the original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence.
