Today I learned that Thomas Jefferson was a reputed atheist– not a deist. I’m not sure it’s true, but it’s a fact that Alexander Hamilton attempted to fix the 1800 election because of it.
From the Gazette of the United States, October 1800:
THE GRAND QUESTION STATED
At the present solemn and momentous epoch, the only question to be asked by every American, laying his hand on his heart, is: “Shall I continue in allegiance to
GOD—AND A RELIGIOUS
PRESIDENT;Or impiously declare for
JEFFERSON—AND NO GOD!!!”