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Good Progress Made 2nd Week of Writing "Jefferson's Masterpiece"

The second week of writing Jefferson’s Masterpiece went very well. I was able to accomplish more than I had expected. The story will cover 22 days. However, I was able to complete four days in just one week. My goal is to finish three days a week. It would be nice if I could maintain this pace.


The most challenging part was writing the first “fill-in day” (see February 22nd Blog) where Jefferson expressed to Benjamin Franklin his difficulties getting started drafting the declaration statement. This fictitious conversation took place two days after Jefferson was asked to write the declaration. Some historians believe he struggled at the beginning.


This is an excerpt from the scene I wrote, which could be edited differently when the book is published:


Franklin watched the delegates enter the room. After a few minutes he turned to Jefferson and asked, “Have you made any progress on the declaration?”


Jefferson took his time before answering. Franklin was about to restate the question when his friend began to speak. “Well, that depends. I have given it much thought. I have made notes. I have been writing. But, mostly, I have been discarding what I have written and starting over again.” It was apparent to Franklin, from the tone of Jefferson’s voice and his facial expression, that his young friend was frustrated.


He looked thoughtfully at Jefferson and said: “You have been given an important assignment. What you write is going to be very critical. Your words will unite the citizens to our cause. Your words will rally Washington’s army to victory. Your words will secure the help we need from foreign countries. Your words will set us on the right course for the future.” He paused to reposition his leg resting on the stool and then stared into Jefferson’s eyes. “Thomas, you can write those words. I know you can. John knows you can. And you know you can. As John said recently, you are ‘the best writer in Congress’.”


Jefferson was surprised by what Franklin said to him. He had heard of his generous nature, but had never experienced it himself. “I agree with you on one point,” he said. “This will be the most important paper I will ever write. Maybe, just maybe, that is the reason I am having so much trouble getting started.” He paused and thought a moment. “I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. I will remember them as I write. … Thank you, Benjamin.” He offered his hand to Franklin, who vigorously shook it with a broad smile on his face.


During this time, Jefferson’s thoughts were also on his family. His mother had died on March 31. The year before (1775), he and his wife, Martha, had lost their one-year old daughter, Jane. When he left Monticello in early May (1776) to travel to Philadelphia, Martha had been sick and pregnant. He had not received any news about Martha in weeks, and he was worried.


Next week I will report on Jefferson’s chance meeting with a friend from Williamsburg; provide a glimpse of him working in his sitting room; and describe his conversation with Thomas Paine.


Thanks for your time,

Dennis

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