SOURCE: “Thomas Jefferson,” in Southern Literary Studies: a Collection of Literary, Biographical, and Other Sketches, Kennikat Press, 1967, pp. 94-119.

In the following essay, originally delivered in lecture form at the University of Berlin in the fall and winter of 1910-11, Smith begins with a brief biographical sketch that focuses on influences in Jefferson's writing. Smith then provides a broad overview of Jefferson's publications, including a discussion on some obscure works that have escaped critical attention.

Thomas Jefferson1

Had Thomas Jefferson not written the Declaration of Independence or had he written nothing but the Declaration of Independence, he would still have deserved a place in the history of American literature. As a writer Franklin surpassed him in simplicity of style. As a man Washington towers above him in sublimity of character. But as an exponent of democracy neither Franklin nor Washington compares with him in extent or permanence of...