I subscribe my name to whatever I write

[This is from my letter to George Washington, September 9, 1792. It was during a time when Alexander Hamilton was writing vitriolic opinions against his opponents in newspapers using pseudonyms. My principle is that whatever I write in public, it will have my real name on it.]

If my own justification, or the interests of the republic shall require it, I reserve to myself the right of then appealing to my country, subscribing my name to whatever I write, and using with freedom and truth the facts and names necessary to place the cause in its just form before that tribunal. To a thorough disregard of the honors and emoluments of office, I join as great a value for the esteem of my countrymen, and conscious of having merited it by an integrity which cannot be reproached, and by an enthusiastic devotion to their rights and liberty.

To celebrate Presidents’ Day today, ThomasJefferson.com is born. This is the first post of a series of daily posts from me, Thomas Jefferson, in my own words. Enjoy!