ependence, and was the writer of that
immortal document, which of itself entitles him to enduring fame. For
more than a century and a quarter it has been read every year in all
parts of the Republic to assembled multitudes on the anniversary of its
ratification, and it has been used as a model by all peoples since its
adoption, who have sought to secure for themselves freedom and
self-government.

6. He was Governor of Virginia during the latter part of the
Revolution, and at the end of his term of office, the House of
Burgesses publicly thanked him for the able and patriotic services
rendered by him during his administration of that exalted station.

7. He, while a member of the American Congress after the adoption of
our present Constitution, was the author of the system of coinage
which, with some amendments, is still in vogue in the United States.

8. He was, in the early years of the Republic, twice commissioned by
Congress as Minister Plenipotentiary to negotiate treaties of commerce
with European States, and in this, as in all other public undertakings,
he exhibited the highest character of tact and diplomacy.

9. He was five years Minister to France, was exceedingly popular, and
secured several important modifications of the French tariff in the
interests of American commerce.

10. As the first Secretary of State under Washington, he handled, with
consummate skill, the perplexing international questions which grew out
of the war declared by France in 1793, against Holland and Great
Britain.

11. In 1796 he became Vice-President, and was elevated to the
Presidency in 1800, and was reelected in 1804. In this great office he
regarded himself purely as a trustee of the public, and the simplicity
of his customs and his manly demeanor in office brought to him the
confidence of the people of the country at large.

12. The crowning glory of his administration was the purchase of the
territory of Louisiana from France. This single act made his
administration historic, and the people are even now only beginning to
fully appreciate it as they should.

13. In the manner in which he controlled politics during his two terms
as President, which resulted almost in the total absorption or
annihilation of the Federalist party, he exhibited the qualities of a
tactician rarely, if ever, equaled.

14. After forty years of public life, the illustrious Commoner retired
to private life upon his farm at Monticello, and ga