Jefferson’s Masterpiece is a published book

I am pleased to report that Jefferson’s Masterpiece has been published and is available at Amazon. Beverly and I are both happy and satisfied with how good it looks.

I have altered the original schedule for when to begin marketing Jefferson’s Masterpiece. Since the peak time for book sales during the Christmas holidays begins on November 1, I have decided to start the online marketing of Jefferson’s Masterpiece and Nick & Sadie on November 1.

Thankfully, a number of independent bookstores in North Carolina and Virginia have agreed to carry Nick & Sadie. I have decided that my best venue would be the locally owned, independent bookstores, instead of the bookstore chains. The current list of stores will be published on the updated Nick & Sadie Web site that will be available by the end of this week. The owners/managers were naturally reluctant to commitment to Jefferson’s Masterpiece until they could see a published book. They did, however, express interest. I am in the process of sending books to those owners/managers for them to review.

Five book signings have been arranged for November and December. I invite you to visit me at the ones that are located in your vicinity.

NOVEMBER 6, 2010
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Holiday Bazaar
Highland United Methodist Church
1901 Ridge Road

Raleigh, NC 27607
919-787-4240

NOVEMBER 13, 2010
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Holiday Shopping Spree
Bill Ellis Convention Center
2900 Forest Hill Road
Wilson, NC 27893

NOVEMBER 20, 2010
12:30-5 p.m.
Matthews Holiday Haus
159 North Trade Street
Matthews, NC 28105
704-849-7098

NOVEMBER 26, 2010
6:30-9 p.m.
Literary Bookpost
110 South Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
704-630-9788

DECEMBER 2-5, 2010
10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
A Carolina Christmas Show
Raleigh Convention Center
500 South Salisbury Street

Raleigh, NC 27601
919-996-8500

From now until Christmas week, I will devote my time to marketing Jefferson’s Masterpiece and Nick & Sadie. The research I have done and the book marketing webinars I have participated in have taught me that authors are more qualified and motivated to sell their books than anyone else. So it’s up to me to persuade you to purchase one or both of my books. Well . . . are you convinced?

Thanks for sharing this time with me,
Dennis

Marketing Phase for Jefferson’s Masterpiece Accelerates

I have kept busy the past two weeks since I sent Jefferson’s Masterpiece to the publisher.

Beverly and I spent five days traveling across North Carolina, primarily in the mountains, visiting bookstores. Six of the eleven stores we visited agreed to sell Nick & Sadie. The others wanted to read the book before they decided. I also took the opportunity to introduce them to Jefferson’s Masterpiece. Most of the owners/managers said they were interested in the Jefferson book as well. I have been selective in the bookstores that I visit. So far, I am very pleased with the results. The list of stores will be available on the Nick & Sadie Web site.

Updating the Nick & Sadie Web site and book trailer for the Christmas shopping season is almost complete. My plan is to upload them onto the Web as soon as possible.

I was also fortunate to arrange for three book signings for Nick & Sadie; a fourth is in the works. They are: November 13, Holiday Shopping Spree, Wilson, NC; November 20, Matthews Holiday Haus, Matthews, NC; and December 2-5, A Carolina Christmas Show, Raleigh, NC.

This week I expect to receive a proof copy of Jefferson’s Masterpiece from the publisher. I am excited and nervous about seeing the book. It is one thing to see the book on a computer monitor or as a printout on single pages, but to see and hold the actual book is another experience.

Between now and Christmas, I will be dividing my time between marketing Nick & Sadie and Jefferson’s Masterpiece. In December, I will begin work on a teacher’s guide for Jefferson’s Masterpiece. If you have ever used a teacher’s guide or have experience as a middle school teacher, I would appreciate receiving your suggestions on what to include and what not to include. I have already done a little research on the topic.

Since the research, writing, design and layout of Jefferson’s Masterpiece is now complete, I have decided to report my continued progress to you on an irregular schedule.

I sincerely appreciate the time and interest you have shown in the Jefferson book. The emails, phone calls and personal comments I have received have been wonderful and very reassuring.

Please watch your email inbox for my next report.

Thank You,
Dennis

Jefferson’s Masterpiece Goes to Press

HUZZAH! Jefferson’s Masterpiece was sent to the publisher yesterday afternoon. (Huzzah was a popular 18th century word to express joy, encouragement or triumph.) I should receive a proof copy in a couple of weeks.

I missed my self-imposed August 20 deadline because we decided to do another read-through. We did some minor edits, substituted a few of the images and tweaked the cover.

I also settled on a title for the appendix – Declaration of Independence Library.

Next week I will not send a blog. The next one will be on September 6.

I sincerely appreciate your interest in my book,
Dennis

Jefferson’s Masterpiece Is Almost Ready for the Publisher

My self-imposed deadline to have Jefferson’s Masterpiece ready by August 20 is just a few days away. Beverly and I are working towards uploading the digital file (pdf) that will be used to print the 184-page book to the publisher’s server on schedule.

I am very pleased with the cover Beverly has designed. First, she designed a deep red logo for Jefferson’s Masterpiece with a font that looks 18th century. Then she designed the image that is composed of a number of elements. For the image background she overlapped the first two pages of Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence. Next, she used Charles Willson Peale’s portrait of Jefferson for the foreground – only his image; the background of the painting was deleted. Beverly then added a narrow black bar at the top and a wider version at the bottom. The bar at the bottom includes the subtitle: “The Story of the Declaration of Independence for Young Readers” and my name. This is printed in a gold color that matches Jefferson’s vest. Then a horizontal gold line that separates each bar from the image was added. Finally, the logo was placed above Jefferson’s head and below the top bar.

Hopefully, this cover will attract the attention of book buyers’ – young readers, parents, educators and gift shoppers.

It is very satisfying to know this project is almost complete – at least the research, writing and design phase. Now comes the marketing phase.

Again, I thank you for spending time with me today,
Dennis

Work on Jefferson’s Masterpiece Is Coming to an End

Jefferson’s Masterpiece is almost ready to send to the publisher. The layout and design of the historical story are complete. Now, it will be reviewed by one of the editors. The two largest tasks that remain are designing the appendix and the front and back covers. I expect to have the book ready by August 20.

I have decided to title the appendix, Jefferson’s Philadelphia Library. This title describes the Declaration of Independence related information that will be included in the appendix.

This week Beverly will continue to prepare the book for the publisher, and I will begin to make preparations to create a Jefferson’s Masterpiece website and book trailer.

I appreciate you taking time to read my Journal,
Dennis

Jefferson’s Masterpiece Progresses to Layout and Design Stage

The appendix for Jefferson’s Masterpiece has been edited and is now ready.

I am still trying to find a descriptive title for the appendix. I have one that was suggested to me that is promising. However, I am still open to other ideas, but I must decide soon.

My primary objective last week was to write the text that will be printed on the back cover. Prior to the time I began to write, I did not have any ideas what to say or know what direction I was going to take. Writing a few hundred words that describes the story in a way that will entice shoppers to purchase the book is very challenging. To my surprise, I was able to write the copy in the first sitting. Although I am pleased that I got off a good start, I will continue to edit the copy until I am satisfied that it is the best I can make it. Hopefully, those words will convince book shoppers to purchase Jefferson’s Masterpiece.

Beverly is making good progress on designing the overall layout and the chapter title pages. I will continue to work on the back cover text and write the acknowledgement and dedication pages.

I also need to begin thinking about updating the Nick & Sadie website in preparation for Christmas sales.

I appreciate your continued interest in Jefferson’s Masterpiece,
Dennis

Work on Jefferson’s Masterpiece is on schedule

As John Adams said when the Declaration of Independence had been approved, “It is done.” The final editing of Jefferson’s Masterpiece has been completed. Hurrah! . . . I’m glad.

Beverly has made a good start on getting the book ready for the printer. Her first task has been to layout the pages. (Layout is the graphic design process of distributing the written text onto the preformatted book pages. When that is done, the designer begins the process of designing each page with font variations, images, color and graphic elements.)

Before I turned the manuscript over to Beverly last week for layout, I added new copy to the first chapter – Tuesday, June 11, 1776. It was the section where Jefferson recollected all the events that had led the Second Continental Congress to consider breaking ties with Great Britain. His thoughts are important because they help to set the stage for the story that follows. Plus, I wanted readers to have a sense of the urgency that Jefferson and the patriots felt.

After I finish editing the appendix this week, I will write the promotion copy that will be printed on the back cover. I had forgotten that I needed to write this. In one variation or another, this copy will be used in other types of promotions.

The work is progressing on schedule. I am pleased and satisfied.

Thanks for spending time with me today,
Dennis

Work Continues on Jefferson’s Masterpiece

First, I would like to provide an explanation of why I didn’t send an update on Jefferson’s Masterpiece to you on Monday the 12th. The major reason is that we didn’t have Internet service. Because of frequent service problems, we cancelled the Internet provider and signed with another company. The new service will be online by midweek.

The other reason is because our two granddaughters were visiting, and I wanted to spend time with them. If you’ve read Nick & Sadie, you might remember that I used Ellie and Emma’s names for two prominent characters in the story. As a matter of fact, most of the characters in the book were named after members of my family – including the dogs.

My work on Jefferson’s Masterpiece is back to normal. I completed adding the corrections and suggestions from my five editors. In addition, I completed another read-through myself. Beverly and I are now reading the story to each other aloud. We have found that this is an excellent way to catch mistakes that were not noticed when we read the manuscript silently.

Next, Beverly will begin preparing the book for publication – designing the chapter title pages and the cover, and laying out the pages.

I will go back to editing the copy that will be included in the appendix.

Fortunately, I’m still on schedule to send the book to the publisher in mid-August.

I sincerely appreciate you spending time with me today,
Dennis

Final Week of Preparing Appendix for Jefferson’s Masterpiece

Last week I concluded the preparation of the appendix by compiling significance facts about the Declaration of Independence.

In an 1819 letter to Samuel Adams Wells, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “The Declaration of Independence ... [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and of the rights of man.”

Here is a sample of some significant facts about the Declaration that will be included in the appendix:

• The Declaration of Independence is the birth certificate of the United States of America.

• The Declaration of Independence announced to the world the unanimous decision of America’s thirteen colonies to absolve their allegiance to British rule and to be free and independent states. This was the first time a colony had ever declared independence from its mother country.

• The Declaration of Independence presented a philosophy of government based on equal rights for everyone – the unalienable individual rights of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" that cannot be taken away or abridged; and a government that derives its powers from the consent of the governed – a government accountable to the people, not the people to the government.

• The Declaration of Independence has inspired as many as 115 declarations of independence around the world – granting liberty to millions of people who strived for freedom and the right to govern themselves.

• The Declaration of Independence was the inspiration for granting civil rights to African-Americans and equal rights to women.

I also started the second phase of editing the manuscript by incorporating the corrections, and some of the additions and deletions that were suggested by my editors. In addition to the usual spelling and punctuation errors, they found words, phrases and sentences that needed more explanation; copy to be moved; and suggestions to be considered. Unlike Jefferson’s distress over the corrections made to the Declaration, I welcome the editors’ input.

While I work towards finishing the manuscript and appendix, my graphic designer wife has begun to select and prepare the images that will be used in the book. Our goal is for the images to help tell the story, not just be decoration.

I sincerely appreciate your continued interest in Jefferson’s Masterpiece,
Dennis

Fourth Week of Preparing Appendix for Jefferson’s Masterpiece

“And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” With this pledge, fifty-six men unhesitatingly signed the Declaration of Independence.

They were immediately branded as traitors by the British government and hunted by the military. Until the revolution was won, their lives and those of their families were in jeopardy.

Seventeen signers served in the military during the war. Five were captured and held in British prisons. Twelve had their homes burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned. A great many were unable to visit their families and homes for long periods of time. Most were offered immunity if they would pledge allegiance to King George III; they all refused. Some had their wives and children killed, jailed, mistreated, persecuted or left penniless. At least six are known to have given or loaned money or pledged their personal credit to support the revolution.

They all had sad stories, but these two touched me the most.

John Hart of New Jersey rode to protect his wife and thirteen children as the British advanced toward Trenton, during the winter of 1776. Deborah Hart was ill and unable to be moved. Mrs. Hart and friends were finally able to convince Hart that he should escape. At the last moment, he ran into the woods and found cover in the nearby Sourland Mountains. Hart was not able to return to his home until December 26th after the Continental Army had retaken Trenton. He found that his wife had been buried and his children were gone. The house and farm had been damaged but not destroyed. He was never able to locate all of his children.

John Morton of Pennsylvania, a public servant in a loyalist-leaning section of Pennsylvania, found it difficult to support independence. After a long struggle with his conscience, he finally decided to support the Virginia Resolution on July 1, 1776. This vote and his signature on the Declaration of Independence led his supporters, friends and some family members to believe that he had betrayed their trust and the King. From that moment on he was publicly ostracized. When he became ill in early 1777, his friends and some of his relatives stayed away. On his deathbed a short time later, he reportedly said, “Tell them that they will live to see the hour when they shall acknowledge it [the signing] to have been the most glorious service that I ever rendered to my country.” Morton was the first signer to die.

I spent a good part of last week preparing brief summaries of the hardships these brave men and their families endured. It is heart wrenching to read their stories. Their sacrifices were real, and some never fully recovered.

Thank you for your time today,
Dennis

Third Week of Preparing Appendix for Jefferson’s Masterpiece

As I worked last week on Thomas Jefferson’s biographical sketch for the appendix of Jefferson’s Masterpiece, I learned some facts about his life that I didn’t know. Most everyone can recite Jefferson’s major accomplishments – author of the Declaration of Independence, first Secretary of State of the United States, second American Vice President and third President of the United States. But did you know that his home at Monticello is filled with examples of his inventiveness and innovations? Examples of the things he invented and constructed include a moldboard plow of least resistance, a machine for duplicating a document, a revolving bookstand, a wheel cipher to encode and decode messages, a seven-day clock, dumbwaiters and automatic double doors.

In some respects, Jefferson’s life was very sad. For example, his marriage to Martha Wayles Skelton only lasted ten years. She died four months after the birth of their sixth child. It is reported that he did not leave his room for three weeks following Martha’s funeral. Martha was 34 years old when she died and he was 39. He lived 44 more years and never remarried.

Only two of their six children lived to adulthood. A son died at birth, two daughters lived for a year and a third daughter lived two years. The strange thing about their last two children – daughters – is that they shared the same name – Lucy Elizabeth Jefferson. The first Lucy lived a year and the second Lucy lived to the age of two. Their first and fourth children, both daughters, lived to become adults. Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph Jefferson, their first born, was the only child to survive Jefferson.

Last week was very productive. In addition to preparing Jefferson’s biographical information, I also completed biographical sketches for each of the signers, and I started working on a section for the appendix that will detail what happened to the 56 men after they signed the Declaration of Independence.

I appreciate you spending time with me today,
Dennis

Second Week of Preparing Appendix for Jefferson’s Masterpiece

The delegates to the Second Continental Congress who voted for American independence and signed the Declaration of Independence were a remarkable group of men. I am learning just how outstanding they were as I prepare their biographical sketches for the appendix to Jefferson’s Masterpiece.

It is unfortunate that many of their names are not well known. But what they accomplished during the spring and summer of 1776 in Philadelphia is forever recorded in history.

Here are some facts I would like to share with you:

• Nine signers were not born in America.
• Eighteen signers were merchants or businessmen.
• Fourteen signers were farmers.
• Four signers were doctors.
• Twenty-two signers were lawyers.
• Forty-two signers served in their colonial legislatures.
• Two signers were members of the clergy, only one was active.
• Seventeen signers served in the military during the American Revolution.
• Fifteen signers participated in their states’ constitutional conventions.
• Fifteen signers signed the Articles of Federation
• Six signers signed the United States Constitution.
• Two signers signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Federation and the U.S. Constitution.
• Thirteen signers became governors of their new states.
• Eighteen signers served in their state legislatures.
• Sixteen signers became state and federal judges.
• Seven signers became U.S. Congressmen and six became U.S. Senators.
• Two signers became Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court.
• Three signers became Vice President of the United States
• Two signers became President of the United States.
• Five signers helped to establish colleges and universities.

Due to space requirements, the biographical sketches I am preparing only provide the highlights of their careers that directly related to the founding of the United States of America. I expect to complete this project early this week.

I appreciate your interest in Jefferson’s Masterpiece,
Dennis

First Phase of Editing Jefferson’s Masterpiece Is Finished

I have completed the first round of editing Jefferson’s Masterpiece. Now I will send copies of the manuscript to the five people who have agreed to edit the story.

Since the first phase has been accomplished, I will devote my attention to creating an appendix of historical data that I hope will enhance the understanding and appreciation of the Declaration of Independence. The appendix will provide additional learning opportunities for 9-to-12-year-olds and to other readers. Between the historical-fiction story and the appendix, my goal is to present a complete picture of why, how and who was involved in making it possible for the thirteen colonies to become “free and independent states.”

While all the details of the appendix have not been finalized, I can give you a preview of some of the topics that will be covered:
1. Brief biography of Thomas Jefferson.
2. Timeline of events that led to the separation from Great Britain and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
3. Verbatim copy of Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence.
4. Verbatim copy that shows the changes John Adams and Benjamin Franklin made to the original draft (“Rough Draft” submitted to the Second Continental Congress).
5. Verbatim copy that shows the changes members of Congress made to the Rough Draft (final version of the Declaration of Independence).
6. Biographical sketches and pictures (engravings) of the 56 signers.
7. Description of what happened to the signers.
8. List of colonies and local governments that enacted a “declaration of independence” during the spring and summer of 1776.
9. Discussion of the significance of the Declaration of Independence.
10. Reprint of Jefferson’s handwritten draft of the Declaration of Independence.
11. 18th century map of Philadelphia.

I still don’t have a good descriptive title for the appendix. If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks for your time today,
Dennis

Editing Jefferson’s Masterpiece Continues

Last week was very productive. I spent most of the week editing Jefferson’s Masterpiece. One afternoon I visited an independent bookstore in a nearby town. I also spent time with a friend looking at new locations where I might be able to sell Nick & Sadie.

During the editing, I discovered several places where I had left space for new copy to be inserted. One was the letter Jefferson received from George Mason that was passed on to him by Judy MacAdam. Jefferson met Mr. and Mrs. Andrew MacAdam of Williamsburg, Virginian, one evening at the City Tavern. Mason’s letter involved the draft of a proposed Virginia constitution that Jefferson had prepared and sent to Mason, who was chairman of the committee to write a constitution. Virginia had declared itself independent from the British Empire when it adopted the Virginia Resolution on May 15. Jefferson did prepare a lengthy draft of a constitution that he sent to George Mason. I created a fictional letter from Jefferson to George Mason since there is no historical record of one.

I enjoy editing as I mentioned in a previous Journal. Some of the corrections or places that need to be changed jump out at me. They are so obvious that I wonder why I wrote it that way in the first place. It is also interesting to find alternative ways to phrase something that makes a thought more understandable. In many ways, writing is like working a jigsaw puzzle. The writer’s job is to fit all the pieces together so the reader understands exactly what the writer is saying. When all the pieces fit, then the writer has done his job properly.

After one more read-through this week, I will pass the manuscript on to several people who have agreed to be editors/proofreaders for this project.

Thank you for your time today,
Dennis

Marketing "Nick & Sadie" Took Precedence Over Editing "Jefferson's Masterpiece"

I reported to you last week that I was going to spend part of the week contacting year-round Christmas stores and independent bookstores along the coast of North Carolina about carrying Nick & Sadie, the Christmas novel I published last year. I consider the four-day trip Beverly and I made to be successful, considering the fact that I had never done that before.

The two bookstores that will carry Nick & Sadie are located in Wilmington: Pomegranate Books, which is located near the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, and Two Sisters Bookery, which is located in The Cotton Exchange. I encourage you to visit these stores the next time you are in Wilmington. They epitomize what I like about independent bookstores and what makes them so special – the individual character, the intimacy and the fact that no two stores are alike.

One of the Christmas stores we visited had gone out of business, and a second one did not sell books. The owners of the two other Christmas stores were not present when we were there. I will contact them later. Those are the perils I knew I might face by making cold-calls, which is the way I have elected to operate.

A fifty percent success rate – two stores out of four on the first outing – is better than I expected.

Naturally, I am disappointed that I was not able to do more editing on Jefferson’s Masterpiece. But I needed to begin the process of finding more places that would carry Nick & Sadie year-round or just during the Christmas season.

This week will be devoted entirely to Jefferson’s Masterpiece.

Thanks for your continued interest,
Dennis

Work on Jefferson’s Masterpiece Temporarily Interrupted

I have a confession to make. I was not able to spend much time last week working on Jefferson’s Masterpiece. My goal was to finish the first edit and begin the second read-through. However, I spent most of the week getting ready to contact year-round Christmas stores and independent bookstores about carrying Nick & Sadie, the Christmas novel I published last year. In addition, I spent May 7th working at our church’s BBQ Fundraiser for Missions that is conducted semiannually.

My goal for this week is to spend as much time as possible editing the manuscript, while I contact six Christmas stores and independent bookstores along the North Carolina coast.

I appreciate your continued interest in Jefferson’s Masterpiece,
Dennis

First Week of Editing Jefferson’s Masterpiece

I enjoy editing.

As expected, I was not able to complete the first full edit of Jefferson's Masterpiece last week. The first reading always takes longer. It will take less time with each succeeding read-through. I will continue to edit the manuscript until I am satisfied with the story.

My first rule of editing is to make certain the text makes sense – the sentences and paragraphs are clear and concise. The second rule is to make certain the tone and level of writing are consistent and appropriate for the intended audience. After that, I look for grammar, spelling, capitalization and punctuation errors, subject-verb agreement, sentence fragments and run-on sentences, and proper formatting.

Each time I read one of my manuscripts I can always find something that needs to be changed: a better word for one I had used; or a phrase, sentence or paragraph that would work better in another location or that’s not really necessary. I also find places where additional dialogue or more detailed explanations are needed. That’s why I enjoy editing, being able to make something better, especially when it’s my own.

While I continue to edit, my wife Beverly will work to create a design for the inside pages. She is a graphic designer with experience in print and television broadcasting.

We have decided to have a two-page graphic introduction for each chapter. Our goal is to produce a book that will have graphical appeal to the young readers and, hopefully, mature readers as well.

I sincerely appreciate you reading this week’s Journal,
Dennis

Final Week of Writing Jefferson’s Masterpiece

Hurrah! The first draft of Jefferson’s Masterpiece is finished. It’s a good feeling.

Last week I wrote about Friday, August 2, 1776, when the delegates to the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. Even though the day is not celebrated, I believe it is a very important day in the establishment of America. Fifty-six men – America’s esteemed forefathers – signed a document that British officials believed to be treasonous. Many of them paid a high price for signing their names to the Declaration that day. I believe the judgment and courage it took for them to vote on July 2 for independence from the British monarchy and to sign the Declaration of Independence on August 2 by pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor should never be forgotten.

It was exceptional to have so many leaders of their caliber serving in places of honor at such a critical time in America history – men who were willing to risk everything for freedom.

I hope the following excerpts will give you a flavor of what I imagine took place that day in the Pennsylvania State House.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

“Gentlemen!” President Hancock said in a loud voice as he tapped the gavel twice on his desk. “It is time to begin. I call the August second, seventeen-seventy-six session of the Second Continental Congress into session.” He waited for the voices to stop. “Gentlemen!” he said in a louder voice. “Please take your seats … let us have silence. We have important business to transact this morning.” The room became quiet a minute later.

“Thank you,” he said as he sat down. “Today is the day we set aside to sign our Declaration of Independence. I think everyone has seen the engrossed document that Timothy Matlack prepared for us.” He held up the 24¼-inch by 29¾-inch sheet of parchment in both hands for everyone to see.

“If everyone is ready, I will sign my name first, then Mr. Thomson will call the roll.” He dipped the quill pen into the ink well and signed his name in large letters in the middle of the page underneath the text. “There, I guess King George will be able to read that,” he jokingly announced. “Now it is your turn. I do not want my name to be the only one. I already have a reward of 500 pounds on my head.”

* * *

The last New England delegate to sign was Stephen Hopkins of Rhode Island, who suffered from cerebral palsy. He signed his name with a trembling right hand that he held steady with his left hand. “My hand trembles,” he said in a loud, clear voice, “but my heart does not.”

* * *

Benjamin Franklin limped to Hancock’s desk with the use of his cane when his name was announced. He exchanged looks with Hancock while he laid his cane on the desk. With his weight balanced on his good leg, he adjusted his bifocals and signed his name with a flourish under Benjamin Rush’s name.

“We must all hang together,” said Franklin as he carefully walked back to his chair, “else we shall all hang separately.”

Everyone understood the risk they were taking. They knew the penalty for treason against the British crown was hanging. Their signatures were confirming the last sentence in the Declaration: “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

* * *

After Tompson called his name, Jefferson rose from his chair, adjusted his coat and waistcoat and swiftly walked to the front of the room. Hancock handed him the quill pen. Jefferson dipped the pen into the ink well and let the excess ink drop back into the well. He looked up at Hancock and smiled. Then, he signed “Th Jefferson” in large letters. He laid the pen on the desk and turned to walk back to his chair by the window.

The silence, except for the sound of Jefferson’s footsteps on the wide-board floor, was broken when delegates began to clap. He modestly bowed his head. The applause continued until he was seated.

* * *

After Hancock announced the results of the vote, the large, white-paneled room became completely quiet as it had on July 4th when the wording of the Declaration had been approved. Everyone appeared to be deep in thought.

* * *

This week I’m making the first edits to the story. I plan to follow the example of the delegates who edited the Declaration of Independence. I’m going to carefully examine the manuscript word-by-word, sentence-by-sentence and paragraph-by-paragraph.

As always, I sincerely appreciate you taking time to read this Journal,
Dennis

Eighth Week of Writing Jefferson’s Masterpiece

The historical fiction story of Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence – Jefferson’s Masterpiece – is almost finished. All I have left to write is what took place on August 2, 1776, the iconic day the delegates signed the Declaration.

The days I wrote about last week provide insight into events that many people, especially children, don’t know much about: (1) Who printed the first Declaration? (2) How did news about the Declaration get out? (3) How and when did King George learn about the Declaration? (4) Where and when was the first public reading of the Declaration? (5) Who informed General George Washington about the Declaration and what did he do? (6) Why was the title of the Declaration changed from what Jefferson entitled it?

Here are excerpts from six eventful days in July 1776:

FRIDAY, JULY 5
(I neglected to mention this date in last week’s Journal)

John Dunlap’s young apprentice delivered the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence to Charles Thomson. After the teenage boy left, he carefully folded one and placed it between the pages of the Journal of the Continental Congress. . . .

“Mr. Hancock,” Thomson said when Hancock arrived, “these were delivered just a short while ago. I took one and placed it in the Journal. The printed version looks good. I think John did a good job. And he met your deadline, too.”

Hancock looked at the printed copies of the Declaration as Thomson spoke. Other delegates had walked up to look at them.

SATURDAY, JULY 6

Later that afternoon when everyone had left, Secretary Thomson prepared the letter [written by Congressional President John Hancock] and the Declaration to be sent to England. It was addressed to Lord George Germain, who was Secretary of State for America. He was responsible for the administration of the American colonies and for suppressing the revolt against British rule. . . .

Three months would pass before King George III received news about the Declaration of Independence.

MONDAY, JULY 8

The Pennsylvania State House bell began to ring at the noon hour calling citizens for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Within minutes, the yard behind the State House was full of anxious spectators. . . .

Colonel John Nixon, a member of the Philadelphia Committee of Safety, mounted the platform that had been constructed for this special occasion. He looked out over the sea of faces. The crowd grew silent. In a loud, clear voice he began to read – enunciating each word very carefully.

TUESDAY, JULY 9

“Sir, I have a dispatch from Philadelphia,” announced Alexander Hamilton to General Washington as he entered the room. “It’s from Congress.” . . .

He called Hamilton into his office when he finished reading the letter. … “I would like to address the troops,” he calmly told Hamilton. “Issue a general order for them to assembly at 6 o’clock." . . .

Hours later, Washington rode Nelson, his chestnut colored horse, to where the troops were waiting. The American army was only miles away from the Redcoats stationed in New York and the armada of English ships docked in the harbor.

MONDAY, JULY 15

The New York delegates presented a resolution to Congress that permitted them to belatedly vote for the Declaration of Independence. After months of delay, the New York Provincial Congress had adopted a resolution on July 9th that gave the four New York delegates permission to vote for independence.

FRIDAY, JULY 19

Since all thirteen colonies had voted to approve the Declaration, some delegates suggested that the title of the Declaration should be changed. Late that morning someone made a motion that was accepted by all the delegates to change the title from “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of American” to “The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen States of America.”

This week I will combine historical fact with fiction to offer a glimpse of what might have taken place when our founding fathers signed the document that transformed colonial America into the United States of America.

I also hope to begin the editing and rewriting phase, which will probably take several weeks.

Thanks for reading today’s Journal,
Dennis

Seventh Week of Writing Jefferson's Masterpiece

Thursday, July 4, 1776, promised to be a pretty day in Philadelphia with temperatures in the mid-seventies and a slight breeze from the North. Inside the Pennsylvania State House, however, it would be much hotter. The temperature would rise inside the closed meeting room, plus, emotions would run high due to the controversial subjects that would be considered.

Delegates to the Second Continental Congress would decide the fate of the slavery clause that Thomas Jefferson included in his original draft of the Declaration of Independence. They would continue to consider other issues they found with the document. Then at the two o’clock hour, they would vote on whether or not to accept the edited version. It would become one of the most historic days in American history.

The July 4th chapter will be the longest chapter in the book. It was a day filled with drama – high emotions, momentous decisions, the realization that something unique had been achieved, and the understanding that a vote for the Declaration of Independence might involve severe, personal sacrifices by some delegates.

The following excerpts were taken from the July 4th chapter to illustrate what took place that day.

Jefferson’s thoughts shifted between the war in New York and the actions of Congress. “What we are trying to accomplish today is just as important as Washington having enough troops and supplies to face the British on equal terms,” he thought. “When everyone knows why we have declared our independence, hopefully, the troops and people will be united in winning our freedom. … We are so close.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

When debate on the slave clause continued, a majority of the delegates supported keeping the clause in the declaration to end slavery. Unfortunately, they realized for the sake of unanimity that it might have to be deleted. First, they wanted to try to change the minds of the South Carolina and Georgia delegates.

But, Edward Rutledge repeated that they would hold fast to their promise to vote against the declaration if the clause were not removed. “Slave labor is necessary for the cultivation of rice and indigo,” he firmly said. “We will not support a provision that will destroy South Carolina’s economy. Some of you might believe that slavery is morally wrong, … and you might be right. But slavery has been practiced around the world for centuries, including in our Mother Country. Slaves have been in America since the early seventeenth century.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

There was also a great deal of discussion on whether or not the declaration should criticize Parliament and the British people as Jefferson had done.

“Our quarrel is not with Parliament or the British people,” one delegate calmly stated. “Our quarrel is with King George. Parliament does the King’s bidding – he controls that body. And the British people have done us no harm. Our attention should be directed at King George, not Parliament or the British people.”

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The room became quiet again. Many of the delegates were beginning to feel the impact of their action.

In the eyes of British officials, they were all traitors to the crown. A fact they could not ignore. They wondered what impact this might have on their families and on themselves. Would harm or death be in their future or their family’s future? They had opened a new door for America; their only option was to continue through that new door.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

“Good evening Ike,” he said as he opened the door.

“H-h-h-hello Mr. Jefferson,” Ike responded. “Is it true? Will the Redcoats g-g-go home now and l-l-l-leave us alone?” He said with an excited voice. “We’re free. They c-c-can’t hurt us anymore, can they? The war’s over now!”

Jefferson accepted the biscuits Ike handed him and placed them on a table.

“I am afraid the war is not over,” Jefferson said as he looked into Ike’s eyes and placed both hands on his shoulders. “The Redcoats will not go back to England until we defeat them on the battleground.”

“But … but … I thought that since we’re free, they’d h-h-h-have to leave. I d-d-don’t understand?”

The declaration story is almost complete. I only have six days left to write about – July 6, 8-9, 15,19 and August 2. The content for those days will be short. If everything goes well, I hope to be able to report to you next week that the editing phase is ready to begin.

Again, I thank you for the time you spent with me today,
Dennis