Today it is possible to actually see the rough draft of the Declaration, written in Jefferson's own hand. The first page contains the well-known words, "When in the course of human events..." and "all men are created equal." The second, third and fourth pages complete the entire first draft.

If we compare Jefferson's notes to the actual Declaration written by the committee, signed by the patriots, and adopted by the Continental Congress, we can verify Jefferson was the principal author.

Even more interesting than the "first draft" is the only known surviving fragment of Jefferson's preliminary thoughts. This fragment, establishing the idea of independence, is one of the greatest treasures owned by the Library of Congress.

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