> I am an online middle and high school tutor. The
> past two
> days I have been reviewing your web site on Thomas Jefferson and find it
> quite fascinating. While carefully studying this information, I wondered if
> Jefferson's moral
> and  political views were somewhat influenced by literary giants such as
> Locke,
>  and Milton. If this is the case is there any documented evidence?

It is always somewhat speculative to identify who or what may have
influenced another person.  Jefferson considered Locke one of the three
towering geniuses of all time (the others, Bacon and Newton), though he
rarely referred to him directly, except to note that the principles of the
Founding Fathers were derived from those set forth by Locke and several
other writers.  Jefferson rarely referred to Milton, and not at all as the
source of political principles that I am aware of.  Still, it is possible to
trace great similarities between some of Milton's writings and the
principles stated in the Declaration of Independence.  The chief influence on
Jefferson's moral principles seems to have been Jesus, and Jefferson certainly
wrote much about his high regard for the latter's teachings.  See his
"Jefferson Bible" at the following website:

 http://www.angelfire.com/co/JeffersonBible