In a message dated 3/28/2002 12:44:59 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask] writes: > What "direct evidence" would survive such a real, but now quite > anachronistic property relationship? Marriage certificate? Civil suit > for child support? Rape charges? Challenge to the filing of > Thomas Jefferson's will, in the interest of his offspring? Mr. Forsythe: The lack of any evidence that Sally Hemings was even in the consciousness of anyone at Monticello effectively rules out that her sex life was under Jefferson's scrutiny, whoever she might choose to have impregnate her. I know it is a popular argument with those who come to their decision through some power of perception which doesn't require evidence to pose the query, "Well, what do you want-"Marriage certificate? Civil suit for child support? Rape charges? Challenge to the filing of Thomas Jefferson's will, in the interest of his offspring?" No, but something would be helpful. Why don't you start with a witness to them touching in some way? No, that's too difficult. How about laughing or talking to each other? Still too tough. Let's make it easy. Describe a time where they just looked at each other. That shouldn't be too hard. They must have looked at other once during 35 years if they had four (five, six?) children together. You have many people for possible witnesses who would have observed a look, the grandchildren of Jefferson who lived at Monticello, the daughters, the brother, sister and nephews, not to mention the hundreds of visitors, and of course, the family of Sally Hemings. ____________________________________________________________________ Richard E. Dixon Attorney at Law 4122 Leonard Drive Fairfax, VA 22030 703-691-0770 fax 703-691-0978 ____________________________________________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html