Saluting Signers
A selection of Jefferson's comments on members of the Continental Congress who played key roles during the struggle for American independence.
Thomas Jefferson on George Wythe
George Wythe was Thomas Jefferson's teacher, mentor, and friend as well as a fellow signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia.
“ No man ever left behind him a character more venerated than George Wythe. His virtue was of the purest tint; his integrity inflexible, and his justice exact; of warm patriotism, and, devoted as he was to liberty, and the natural and equal rights of man, he might truly be called the Cato of his country, without the avarice of the Roman; for a more disinterested person never lived.”
Thomas Jefferson on John Adams
Jefferson and Adams enjoyed a lifelong friendship beginning with their service in the Continental Congress, punctuated by an estrangement over political differences, and a reconciliation after both men retired from public life.
“ John Adams was our Colossus on the floor. He was not graceful, nor elegant, nor remarkably fluent; but he came out, occasionally, with a power of thought and expression that moved us from our seats.”
Thomas Jefferson on Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin served as a political and diplomatic mentor to Thomas Jefferson. A printer, scientist, author, and diplomat, Franklin was the best known among the Founding Fathers in the Second Continental Congress.
“ ... Dr. Franklin, the greatest man & ornament of the age and country in which he lived.”
Thomas Jefferson on Samuel Adams
Samuel Adams was known for his influential role in steering the Continental Congress to seek independence from Great Britain. A powerful advocate for representative government, and a second cousin to John Adams, was known for his ability to work behind the scenes in advancing the American cause.
“ For depth of purpose, zeal, and sagacity, no man in Congress exceeded, if any equalled, Sam. Adams; and none did more than he to originated and sustain revolutionary measures in Congress.”
Thomas Jefferson on John Dickinson
John Dickinson was among the most influential leaders in the Continental Congress, yet voted against independence, believing it was still possible to reconcile with Great Britain. Although he did not sign the Declaration, after independence he went on to become a powerful advocate for the American cause and remained a close friend and advisor to Jefferson.
“ Among the first of the advocates for the rights of his country when assailed by Great Britain, he continued to the last the orthodox advocate of the true principles of our new government, and his name will be consecrated in history as one of the great worthies of the revolution”
