Jeffersonian Proviso

In 1784, I proposed that all new States would ban slavery, later called the "Jeffersonian Proviso." They would be free States. However, my proposal fell short by one single vote!

A good cause is often injured more by ill timed efforts of its friends than by the arguments of its enemies. Persuasion, perseverance, and patience are the best advocates on questions depending on the will of others. The revolution in public opinion which this case requires, is not to be expected in a day, or perhaps in an age. But time, which outlives all things, will outlive this evil also.

My sentiments have been 40 years before the public. Had I repeated them 40 times, they would only have become the more stale and thread-bare.

Although I did not live to see them consummated, they did not die with me. My wording for this Proviso was later used in the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in all states. Living or dying, they were in my most fervent prayers:

All men are created equal

When I wrote "all men are created equal," I meant it. Incompetent scholars claim I didn't include slaves but they are wrong. My original draft of the Declaration of Independence was clear: