The Twisty-Tied hands of Thomas Jefferson by Marcus Neither (Blog Post 2, ungraded)

The year 1776 marked a pivotal point in the history of America. Then, the signing of the Declaration of Independence established a new nation free from British rule. America was birthed comprised of 13 new states, and too was ushered in a festive day of celebration and remembrance. Identified as “Independence Day”, the implications of the highly celebrated holiday’s title were a far stretch from modern ideals of “freedom” and “independence.” However, what is more interesting is that at the time of the famed document’s conception, its own author differed much consciously, in contrast to what we see in the language of which made the final cut. From what we know about Thomas Jefferson, he was a conflicted man whose hands were clearly tied under the rule of an economy/government that had to be sustained. His profile indicates that of a man with a moral compass, but lacking the spine to put his morality to the forefront.

Thomas Jefferson: Writer of the Declaration of Independence, lover of a black mistress (Sally Hemings), father of mulatto children, and yes, the 3^rd president of these United States of America.

Jefferson’s Loyalty to White Folk:

Jefferson first had a duty to develop the new nation. He was intelligent, a businessman (owning over 200 slaves), a scholar, an author (drawing up many documents), a man of the Christian faith etc. So how is it possible that a man as conscious as he, and draped in as many accessories, could perpetuate a system so morally corrupt as slavery? It is a concern of loyalty. His responsibility lied first with other leaders who were also shaping the nation. In addition, for a nation that had to function, he would have to make a conscious decision to deny the rights of a particular group in order to avoid the downfall of the new land.

Jefferson’s Humanity:

This does not mean that Jefferson did not try to make freedom an ideal for all people. The plan for the slaves included colonizing them in another land. They would be free however Jefferson did not think we could realize a fully integrated society. We see his efforts in the second draft of the Declaration of Independence where he proclaims that all persons be free, and slavery abolished,

No person hereafter coming into this country shall be held in slavery under any pretext whatever… Allº persons shall have full & free liberty of religious opinion: nor shall any be compelled to frequent or maintain any religious institution. <but this shall not be held to justify any seditious preaching or conversation against the authority of the civil government.>

Noº freeman shall be debarred the use of arms [within his own lands or tenements]. (Jefferson, 1776)

He simply had a more prominent loyalty to his nation – which by default meant to white people – which also consequently meant at the expense of black people. This idea of loyalty is further perpetuated though, even in what Jefferson wished to be remembered for: writing the Declaration of Independence, writing and supporting the Virginia Statue of for Religious Freedom (1786), and last founding the university of Virginia.

After having felt the restrictions of British control, which included the abuse of power, tyranny, and religious persecution, his loyalty prompts him to deny the most basic of human rights to an entire group of people. This too further establishes his agency to white people as he fails to acknowledge blacks any in his final charge at death.

The Root:

Jefferson’s partiality to black people is often linked to his relationship with Sally Hemings - a black woman, slave, and mother of 6 of his children. While he is not able to get accomplished his vision of an integrated America, he does often speak of the ills of slavery. Jefferson even shows signs of guilt in some of his writing, “Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.” (Jefferson, 1785) He knows black people deserve a humanistic profile, and this is why he straddles the fence. Through owning slaves and having relationships such as that with Sally Hemings, Jefferson was about to experience the human qualities of black people. He was convicted in some regard.

In conclusion, Jefferson is a complex man. He seems to want to do right, but his hands are tied. The Twisty-Tied hands of Thomas Jefferson!

References

Jefferson, Thomas. "Founding Era." Teaching American History. National Archives and Records Administration, 1785. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.

Jefferson, Thomas. "II. Second Draft by Jefferson, [before 13 June 1776]." National Archives and Records Administration. National Archives and Records Administration, 1776. Web. 16 Oct. 2016.