The years of Thomas Jefferson's life from 1801 to 1826 can rightly be called a time of harvest. It was during these years that Jefferson came to the presidency, which he served for two terms, refusing to stand for a third, even though five states urged him to run again.
During his presidency, he added the Louisiana Territory to the nation, sent Lewis and Clark on their famous exploring expedition across the continent to the Pacific, forced the pirates of Tripoli to respect the American shipping, and prepared the way which led—through the unfortunate War of 1812—to a final understanding with England. These were the important events of his administration, though the trial of Aaron Burr for treason outstripped them by far in dramatic interest.
His years of retirement (1809-1826) were equally fruitful. He guided his friends Madison and Monroe, both of whom were elected to the office of President, and in his role as elder statesman continued to watch over his beloved country. His very last years were given over to the founding of the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, and when he died, on July 4, 1826—precisely fifty years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence—he asked that his epitaph read that he was "author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and father of the university of Virginia." These were the things he was proudest of.
Jefferson's old friend and sometime enemy, John Adams, died on the same day. His last words were: "Jefferson still lives." And so Jefferson does. One hundred and forty years later, his greatness is worthily set forth in Leonard Wibberley's book about him.
—from the dust jacket
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