The recent discovery of Thomas Jefferson's personal scrapbooks at Alderman Library reveals the sentimental side of his complex personality.
The four-volume scrapbook -- composed of clippings pasted to hand-made envelopes -- includes political items, scientific information and even romantic poetry.
"It is a major discovery of Jefferson material which will help us understand the man and his world better," said Dan Jordan, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation president.
The discovery was made by West Point History Prof. Robert M.S. McDonald while he was researching his Ph.D. dissertation at Monticello. Although the scrapbooks have been housed at Alderman Library since 1951, historians always had assumed Jefferson's family had compiled them.
McDonald's familiarity with Jefferson's handwriting made him realize that the albums were the president's own creation.
"I was really astounded. These were definitely the work of Thomas Jefferson," McDonald said.
Both McDonald, who graduated from the University in 1992, and Jordan said they believe the scrapbook lends insight into Jefferson's private thoughts. The albums are divided into volumes by subject matter. The first two contain newspaper clippings about political events and practical or scientific information. Jefferson also included a table of weights and prices of ammunition.
One of the clippings is Thomas Paine's "To the Citizens of the United States." Another article prints the Declaration of Independence -- one of Jefferson's most famous accomplishments.
Since the albums include newspaper articles written during Jefferson's presidency, they chronicle his achievements. MacDonald is quick to point out, however, that the president was not afraid of criticism -- disparaging news articles, derisive limericks and lampoons are pasted dutifully alongside Jefferson's victories.
Jordan said he believes these clippings reveal Jefferson's humility and sense of humor.
The albums also expose a man who was not as thoroughly practical as some historians have painted him. The third volume of the scrapbook almost entirely is devoted to poetry.
Jefferson saved many romantic poems, including a series on the seasons, and pieces entitled "Elegy on the Death of a Blacksmith" and "The Victim of Passion."
"When we first think of Jefferson we think of a man who was really into reason and enlightenment ... very rational. These scrapbooks give us a new dimension. They are a private document. He is much more of a romantic figure," McDonald said.
He said he recognizes that he is not the first historian to realize Jefferson's diverse personality, but he said the scrapbooks confirm that "Jefferson not only lived in his head, but was also in touch with his heart."
Perhaps the most significant evidence of Jefferson's romanticism is his inclusion of an oak leaf pressed between two poems, "Friendship" and "Scenes from my Youth."
As a child, Jefferson and his best friend, Dabney Carr, routinely climbed the hill that would one day be the site of Monticello and talked under an old oak tree. The friends promised that whoever died first would be buried on the spot. McDonald said he was emotionally struck when he remembered the story and saw the leaf.
The albums further reveal little secrets of the University's architecture -- students may notice that some mahogany entryways look suspiciously like pine. Historians have speculated that Jefferson, in a money crunch, ordered faux mahogany fixtures, McDonald said. Included in the scrapbook is a recipe for false mahogany.
The scrapbooks, which are located in the Special Collections section of Alderman Library, are part of a growing body of information on the University and the third president.
Jordan said McDonald's discovery stresses the importance of ongoing research.
If McDonald had not been searching around in Alderman library, the scrapbooks would have remained in obscurity, he said.
Read More
BREAKING: Two fraternities suspended, one terminated after hazing allegations
By Ford McCracken | 3 hours agoThe University’s chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha is the founding chapter of the fraternity, which was founded in West Range room 47 in 1868.
From the archives: April 22 – April 28
By Maisy Callahan and Grace Franklin | 5 hours agoThose opposed to the Mall feared closing Main St. would create inconvenience and traffic, which would in turn decrease the income made by merchants.
Students for Justice in Palestine criticizes University at “die-in” on Lawn
By Thomas Baxter | YesterdayThe protest consisted of a speech by Josh Rosenberg, SJP president and third-year College student, followed by the reading of the names of 65 killed Palestinians.
