Thomas Jefferson, letter to Samuel Adams Wells, May 12, 1821:

The Declaration of Independence… [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to John Adams, September 12, 1821:

[T]he flames kindled on the 4 of July 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

James Madison, letter to Thomas Jefferson, February 8, 1825:

On the distinctive principles of the Government …of the U. States, the best […]

Richard Henry Lee, Resolution in Congress, June 7, 1776:

Resolved: That these colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved of all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That it is expedient forthwith to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances. That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the respective colonies for their consideration and approbation.

John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams, July 3, 1776:

It ought […]