A Dawn in the Trees: The Thomas Jefferson Years, 1776-1789

Book two of Wibberley’s Jefferson biography begins with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson becomes governor of Virginia during the Revolutionary War and is instrumental in holding the colony together in the face of constant British military actions. Jefferson’s joy at the successful end of the war was dashed by the death of his wife Martha following the birth of a daughter in 1782.

Though grieving, Jefferson’s services were needed by his country and in 1784 the Confederation Congress appointed him Minister to France to negotiate political and trade treaties with our wartime ally. He would remain in Europe until 1789.