<P> Jefferson's "original Rough draught" is on exhibit in the Library of Congress . This version was used by Julian Boyd to create a transcript of Jefferson's draft, which reads: </P> <P> We hold these truths to be sacred & undeniable; that all men are created equal & independent, that from that equal creation they derive rights inherent & inalienable, among which are the preservation of life, & liberty, & the pursuit of happiness;...</P> <P> The Committee of Five edited Jefferson's draft . Their version survived further edits by the whole Congress intact, and reads: </P> <P> We hold these truths to be self - evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness .---- </P>

Protection of natural rights in the declaration of independence