Celebrating the Fourth

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Listen to the final version and to Jefferson's draft, which includes a different "We hold these truths . . . " statement as well as a biting condemnation of the slave trade. Bill Barker, who interprets Thomas Jefferson at Monticello, reads both.

The Declaration of Independence (as adopted in Congress) - 10.5 minutes

Jefferson's "rough Draught" of the Declaration - 12.5 minutes