 for Hillsdale.com. When you go, you get to watch this great video on Thomas Jefferson. In 1826, Thomas Jefferson was invited by the mayor of Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 50th anniversary of American independence. Although Jefferson's failing health prevented him from attending, the author of the Declaration replied with his last letter, offering a beautiful reflection on America's founding and a message of hope for the nation's future. And then you can download the Declaration of Independence. You get your free copy today.