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What Jefferson was thinking

Analysis reveals a last-minute revision to the Declaration of Independence

By Janet Raloff

- More than 2 years ago

Smudge analysis shows how Jefferson changed his mind.

REBELLIOUS PEN Thomas Jefferson decided not to refer to colonists as “subjects.” A new spectral analysis of the first draft of the Declaration of Independence reveals that he carefully wrote over that word, replacing it with “citizens.” France/Library of Congress

Spectral analysis of an uncharacteristic ink smudge on an early draft of the Declaration of Independence uncovered a little of the rebel spirit in Thomas Jefferson, the colonist and future president who wrote the document.