What is Absurd in the detail? What affect does the author's use of this detail have? The accused man being thing and spare with some difficulty began to sink at last; but the rest, everyone of them, swam very light on the water. A sailor in the flat jumped out upon the back of the man accused thinking to drive him down to the bottom

The correct answer is the second option. Jefferson in this passage appeals to authority by making reference to God, and the power invested in them bu this "divine providence". Another evidence of this appeal can be found in the word "pledge" since it refers to making promises to others, particularly to keep their lives, money and honor.

This reference to authority is particularly appropiate given the context, since the Founding fathers needed to justify their authority, as well as make reference to the power their holded.