[Fabozz]

I'd say Jefferson changed subjects into citizens via the Declaration of Independence (plus the blood, toil, sweat and tears of the patriots).

[Sacajaweau]

Subjects would be referring to those presently under British rule. It was the terminolgy of the day.

The word citizens meant those who had given their allegiance to this particular fight for self rule. He was actually speaking for a lot of folks who hadn't seen the light yet.

I wouldn't get to caught up in this "obliterated" thing. Jefferson has a pretty crappy hand if I remember correctly.

And then there's his copy machine...

Of course, this is all IMHO.