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] ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html ______________________________________ To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html