I just wish he had written down somewhere in no uncertain terms that he
did not father any slave child. Possibly you are aware that he was named
by several slave stories as father to them. Read what the Waverly
Watchman says about all this in Virginius Dabney's excellent and well
researched book, "The Jefferson Scandals, A Rebuttal." Yes, TJ would
probably tell Ben that he admitted to "playing around" with a married
friend when he was young and single, BUT that was the only one of all
the rumors flying about him that was true and he acknowledged it was
incorrect. I think Ben would agree that this is a good explanation. 

Herb

-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion of research and writing about Virginia history
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Paul Finkelman
Sent: Tuesday, May 06, 2008 2:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VA-HIST] What would Jefferson think about this debate?

Jefferson would probably send a letter to his friend Franklin (if Ben
were still alive) and ask him to explain this "electricity" thing that
was running this debate.  

Paul Finkelman
President William McKinley Distinguished Professor of Law
     and Public Policy
Albany Law School
80 New Scotland Avenue
Albany, New York   12208-3494

518-445-3386 
[log in to unmask]

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