t document, possibly Jefferson's "fair copy" of his rough draft. On the morning of July 5, copies were dispatched by members of Congress to various assemblies, conventions, and committees of safety as well as to the commanders of Continental troops. Also on July 5, a copy of the printed version of the approved Declaration was inserted into the "rough journal" of the Continental Congress for July 4. The text was followed by the words "Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress, John Hancock, President. Attest. Charles Thomson, Secretary." It is not known how many copies but there are 24 copies known to exist of what is commonly referred to as "the Dunlap broadside."In 1784 Jefferson became, first, a commissioner to negotiate commercial treaties, and then, Benjamin Franklin's successor as minister. Toward the end of his mission he reported the unfolding revolution in France. Eventually he was repelled by the excesses of the French Revolution. He thoroughly disapproved France's imperialistic phase under Napoleon Bonaparte. Because of his absence in Europe, Jefferson had no direct part in the framing or ratification of the Constitution of the United States. The most notable achievement of Jefferson's first term as President (1800) was the purchase in 1803 of Louisiana from France for 15 million dollars. (see Lewis and Clark). During his second term Jefferson encountered greater difficulties. One of the domestic problems was the Burr-Conspiracy, with the former vice president on trial for treason. Jefferson was succeeded as president in 1809 by James Madison. During the last 17 years of his life, Jefferson remained in Virginia. As the 'Sage of Monticello' he engaged in a rich correspondence with John Adams and others. Jefferson's last great public service was the founding of the University of Virginia in 1819. He died at Monticello on July 4, 1826 on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence....
