Too bad Thomas Jefferson didn't own his own Nat Turner.

Imagine if Jefferson's Turner (and his fellow slaves) murdered Thomas 
Jefferson -- possibly denying Jefferson the opportunity to sleep with 
Sally Hemmings - then we'd have to debate some other topic on the 
Virginia History Listserve.

Anyone have a time machine?

Tony Lister wrote:
> Anne; 
>
> Herein lies the rub:
>
> You stated:  "Better to present the resources and let the student develop 
> their own conclusion than to drive the conclusion to a "proper" outcome."
>
> Your Nat Turner Page:  "Nat Turner was very intelligent and learned to read 
> and write easily. In spite of this, the three people who owned him never 
> thought to use his intelligence or to give him the freedom to use this gift. 
>
> Nat Turner became very religious and spiritual. He spent his time, even while 
> working, in prayer. He preached at the Negro churches throughout 
> Southampton County. He reported that God spoke to him in visions. Many 
> people, black and white, believed that Nat Turner was a prophet."
>
> Your R.E. Lee Page:  "Robert E. Lee grew up in Virginia.  He went to West 
> Point and became a soldier."
>
> Your Thomas Jonathan Jackson Page:  "Stonewall Jackson was born in 
> Clarksburg, Virginia which is now in West Virginia.  He went to West Point and 
> became a soldier.  He was a good soldier and won many victories."
>
> I find one page based on conjecture and the two other omitting proven facts.  
> If a student reviews your page he/she can only come to the conclusion that 
> Mr. Turner was hero fighting for truth and justice.  They will never know that 
> R. E. Lee was a brilliant Engineer who assisted in the design and construction 
> of Fort Monroe that he was a hero in the Mexican American War, and was the 
> Superintendent of West Point.  They will never know that General Jackson was 
> considered by his peers and subordinates to be one of the most tactically 
> proficient generals West Point ever produced and that his battle plans and 
> decisions are still being taught today.
>
> It is your website and as such I have no right to moan, fuss or complain.  I do 
> hope however, that if it is to be used to teach our youth there is some 
> balance added.  
>
> Very Respectfully,
>
> Tony  
>
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-- 
Ray Bonis
Special Collections and Archives
VCU Libraries
804-828-1108

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