Kevin and everyone,

Last year about this time, with the release April 12, 2001 of the
Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commison Report
(http://www.geocities.com/tjshcommission), etc., we had an extended
discussion of this issue, as you may recall if you were on the list.

I apologize if this has already been pointed out, but the suggestion of some
to explain why Jefferson's seeming moral position on slavery collided with
his personal behaviour, might be traced to the fact that his personal habits
put new meaning to the phrase "last of the big-time spenders".   The man
appears to have been in hock up to his ears, and his slaves were an important
part of his "moveable assets".  He simply couldn't afford to free them.

Whether or not he was aware that this was the fix/dilemma he was getting
himself into when he made his original comments is unknown.   He, of course,
DID have a choice.  He could have done the unthinkable and sold Monticello,
its contents, etc., etc. instead of keeping his slaves to be sold when he
died and the wolves appeared at the door.

If this is what you meant by "weak", then you are correct.  The man liked
fine expensive "things", books, collectibles, etc.  He was human, but he I
believe he HAD to have realized what he was doing in terms of financial
irresponsibility would impact whatever his feelings were about  slavery.
Maybe he was waiting for that $1 million book deal?  $5,000 per speaking
engagement?  <smile>

My best regards,

Janet (Baugh) Hunter

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