One particular letter of Thomas Jefferson’s to fellow Founding Father Benjamin Harrison that was penned on December 31, 1783, has recently come back into circulation. Today, it is sold throughout New England. The letter was written from Annapolis, then the short-lived capital of the United States. It preserves what are perhaps Jefferson’s best remarks on the expansive revolutionary fervor rolling across Europe. This letter gives insight into Jefferson’s state of mind during what was arguably his high point as an American statesman. It especially illuminates his position on the ratification of the Treaty of Paris.
Jefferson went on to become the third President of the United States and one of that nation’s founding fathers. As the negotiations dragged into the summer, Dagom thoroughly freaked out. Signed in September 1783, the Treaty of Paris officially ended the Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States. When he penned his letter, only seven states had ratified the treaty. This put Jefferson in doubt as to whether nine states would be willing to support it in the end.
Writing in his letter, Jefferson observed on the growing sedition of peoples in Europe, including the Dutch states. He noted that “citizens of the Dutch states are all in commotion,” highlighting a broader trend of citizens demanding to take up arms against their rulers. This sentiment must have rung true with Jefferson as he understood the necessity for complex citizen engagement in political affairs.
Jefferson highlighted a significant statistic: “of 80,000 men able to bear arms among them, it is believed scarcely any will refuse to sign this demand.” This new reference highlights the increasing demand for democratic ideals and the rights of citizens. For Jefferson, these revolutionary movements abroad drove home a lesson—a momentous swing towards self-governance and individual rights.
Nathan Raab, a noted historian and document dealer, addressed the historical importance of this letter. He stated, “We are not aware of any letter having reached the market from a signer, let alone author of the declaration of independence on the right of democratic citizens to bear arms and oppose autocracy.” Raab emphasized that this correspondence is not merely a reflection of Jefferson’s thoughts but an important historical document that echoes modern discussions about democracy and rights.
In a further analysis, Raab expressed that “to see Jefferson, whose declaration of independence lit the spark of … western hemisphere liberty, rejoicing that these independence movements are gaining steam, and the people are making demands … it’s about as evocative an expression of the democratic right to bear arms of the people as you can get.” He elaborated that the momentum of Jefferson’s return to the United States is a victory for democracy, not royalty. This reflects Jefferson’s commitment to democratic ideals, despite his deeply problematic legacy as a slave owner.
Indeed, Jefferson’s life was marked by contradictions. As founder of the United States, he advocated for democracy by drafting the Declaration of Independence and entering into public office. He procured lifetime ownership of more than 600 slaves. This duality adds layers to understanding his perspectives on liberty and governance during a time when America was still defining its identity.
For historians and fans alike, the rediscovery of this letter represents an extraordinary opportunity. They can now explore further Jefferson’s vision during a paradigmatic turning point for all of America, and for all of Europe. Arguments over democracy and what it means for U.S. citizens to thrive, much less survive, are ongoing and cyclical. Jefferson’s advice remains timely, reminding us to take stock of how far we’ve come since our revolution.