He read the law under Wythe's tutelage to obtain his law license while working as a law clerk in his office.[36] He also read a wide variety of English classics and political works.[37] Jefferson was well-read in a broad variety of subjects, which along with law and philosophy, included history, natural law, natural religion, ethics, and several areas in science, including agriculture. Overall, he drew very deeply on the philosophers. During the years of study under the watchful eye of Wythe, Jefferson authored a survey of his extensive readings in his Commonplace Book.[38] Wythe was so impressed with Jefferson that he later bequeathed his entire library to him.[39]
The year 1765 was an eventful one in Jefferson's family. In July, his sister Martha married his close friend and college companion Dabney Carr, which greatly pleased Jefferson. In October, he mourned his sister Jane's unexpected death at age 25 and wrote a farewell epitaph in Latin.[40] Jefferson treasured his books and amassed three libraries in his lifetime. 