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Rare Declaration Copy Shows Jefferson's Anti-Slavery Stance
3 Jul
Summary
- A unique copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display.
- This copy includes Thomas Jefferson's condemnation of the slave trade.
- The document is protected in a dim room due to fading ink.
A remarkable fair copy of the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, is currently exhibited at the New York Public Library's main branch. This particular document is significant as it contains Jefferson's original condemnation of the slave trade, a section later removed by delegates from Georgia and South Carolina.
Jefferson meticulously wrote this version after the Declaration's ratification on July 4, 1776, driven by his belief that the founding of the United States should mark the end of such injustices. The fragile nature of the ink, prone to fading, necessitates its display in a dimly lit environment to ensure its preservation for visitors.
This display is part of the library's broader celebration of America's 250th birthday, offering a unique glimpse into the complexities and debates of the nation's formative period. While 11,000 tickets have already been issued for the event, which concludes on July 7, the library also plans to project the document externally for wider public viewing.
