Assuming that Herbert Barger is correct, which I do not assume, it is amusing, or sad
(depending on one's perspective) that he thinks this makes Jefferson "innocent."  Even
Mr. Barger agrees that Sally Hemings was Jefferson's half-sister-in-law and Mr. Barger
argues that Jefferson's relatives fathered Sally's children.  So, what is Mr.
Jefferson "innocent" of?  I should think that holding your relatives in slavery,
allowing them to be sold at your death and seaprated from their families, hardly makes
him "innocent."  But, then, I never thought Jefferson was "guilty" of having sex with
Sally either.  He was "guilty" of holding his own children in slavery.

--
Paul Finkelman
Chapman Distinguished Professor
University of Tulsa College of Law
3120 East 4th Place
Tulsa, Oklahoma  74104-2499

918-631-3706 (office)
918-631-2194 (fax)

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Herbert Barger wrote:

> Very good Mr. Davenport. I have been "gagged" by Elizabeth Roderick, and have been
> told to refrain from disseminating information about the Jefferson-Hemings, SO I
> assume this will be the last message that she ALLOWS (if it even gets out). I note
> the slavery discussion continues, BUT nothing of the Scholars findings on Thursday
> that indicates Thomas Jefferson innocent. Go to: www.tjheritage.org for the study
> and click on ALL links. Both sides of the issue is not getting to you, YET.
>

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