Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died 200 years ago today.
Yes, two of the greatest founding fathers died on the same day precisely 50 years after both signed the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson and Adams were both part of the committee tasked with writing the Declaration of Independence accusing the King of a list of political crimes. Both were later diplomats and had a joint meeting with King George.
Both were Presidents. And both helped found the first two American political parties.
Both were ardent allies in the cause of American liberty, but drifted further and further apart after the war. They found themselves on opposite sides of important issues and became bitter political rivals which led to personal animosity.
In their later years they reconciled, and began writing to each other regularly.
50 years after America declared independence, on July 4th 1826, Adams' last recorded words were, "Jefferson survives."
Jefferson had, in fact, outlived his old colleague, but only by a few hours.
Jefferson spoke no words on that day. But late on July 3rd he woke up and, thinking it was morning, asked, "Is it the Fourth?" He was led to believe it was.
Believing it was the Fourth, his last recorded words were, "No more doctors."
Coincidence? Perhaps. But I believe it was evidence of God's divine hand in the founding of this nation.
God bless America! Happy 250th birthday! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎆🎆🎆