Painting depicting Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson at a small table in room littered with papers editing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Committee of Five

The Committee of Five

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, but he did not work alone. 

On June 7, 1776, Virginia Delegate Richard Henry Lee put forward a resolution that "all political connection between them [the Colonies] and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." On June 11th, the Continental Congress nominated a drafting committee of five men to compose a declaration of independence.

Who were the five committee members?

Many words describe Thomas Jefferson. He is best remembered as the person who wrote the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States.

Thomas Jefferson Portrait of Thomas Jefferson with red unpowdered hair wearing a green overcoat, a gold waistcoat, and a white neckerchief

Jefferson’s friend and mentor Benjamin Franklin revised and edited Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence.

Benjamin Franklin Joseph-Silfrede Duplessis's copy of a 1778 portrait of Benjamin Franklin by Jean Valade.

John Adams told Jefferson “You can write ten times better than I can” and joined Franklin in editing the Declaration of Independence.

John Adams

Recalled to help convince his home colony of New York to vote for Independence, Robert R. Livingston later negotiated the Louisiana Purchase.

Robert Livingston Portrait of Robert Livingston at a table, attributed to Gilbert Stuart.

Roger Sherman of Connecticut is the only founder to sign all four of America’s original great state papers.

Roger Sherman Portrait of a Roger Sherman seated in chair by Ralph Earl

Jefferson Remembers

Listen as we take a look at the the group of the five delegates from five Colonies selected to write and edit this important document.

Podcast: The Declaration and the Committee of Five