Thomas Jefferson
Third President of the United States (1801-1809)
2nd Vice President of the United States (1797-1801)
An American Founding Father
Principal Author of the Declaration of Independence
2nd Vice President of the United States (1797-1801)
An American Founding Father
Principal Author of the Declaration of Independence
On ‘Federal Government’
*Quote is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, while some sources attribute the quote to President Ford.
Biography
Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826) was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the third President of the United States (1801–1809). At the beginning of the American Revolution, he served in the Continental Congress, representing Virginia and then served as a wartime Governor of Virginia (1779–1781). Just after the war ended, from mid-1784 Jefferson served as a diplomat, stationed in Paris. In May 1785, he became the United States Minister to France. » Full Bio» See All 'Quotable Quotes'
This Day In History 235 Years Ago
American War for Independence
July 29, 1778
American War for Independence
July 29, 1778
French Navy Contacts Continentals
On this day in 1778, French Vice-Admiral Count d'Estaing establishes contact with the Continental Army, which is waiting for his help to retake Rhode Island.
Following the Franco-American treaty of alliance signed the previous February, Americans expected a rapid defeat of the British. D'Estaing, a French naval commander, departed Toulon, France, in 1778, with a fleet of 12 ships-of-the-line and 4 frigates, with which he intended to help the Patriots. The British, who could have put d'Estaing's ships out of commission before they made it to North American waters, were ill-prepared for his departure, and d'Estaing's fleet passed through the Straits of Gibraltar without difficulty. » Full Article
Significant Events This Day In History
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