“But Jefferson’s Declaration, far from defending slavery, was originally anti-slavery.”
When I speak of the Declaration of Independence, I am referring to the one that was adopted - the one everyone signed. In other words, not drafts that were not adopted.
And the DOI documents the reasons why the political bands were dissolved.
One reason was this: “He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us . . .” This is a reference to slave rebellions. Look it up.
The thirteen colonies intended to stop slave rebellions.
I am as uncomfortable saying this as you are learning of it but the 13 northern and southern colonies agreed to fight to preserve the peculiar institution.
But you misunderstand both the words and intentions of our Founders.
In fact, the words "domestic rebellions" referred not only to slaves, but also native-Americans, whom the Brits did in fact stir up.
And Jefferson's original words condemning slavery followed immediately afterwards, clearly telling us that it was not slavery itself he was defending -- since all men are created equal -- but British inspired violence against Americans.
Here is a description of the words' meaning: