The Declaration of Independence contrasts with Jefferson’s views on slavery, his relationship with Sally Hemings a mulatto slave he owned and with whom he fathered several children. He concealed his relationship with Sally Hemings though was public about his views on slavery which he believed was important to the growth and economic development of the southern states. He was antithetical to inter-racial marriage while also believing that the African races were intellectually and otherwise inferior.
Jefferson considered that slavery should be eventually be abolished from the United States but he believed also that the slaves should be transported back to Africa.