What messege is Thomas Jefferson trying to send on "The Subject of Slavery."?

Question

Thomas Jefferson-"The Subject of Slavery"

Answer 1

I often find it fascinating reading some of the answers to questions. I can’t help but wonder what is being taught today for history in the schools.

How did Thomas Jefferson feel about slavery? His words are the best source and he spoke a great deal about this subject. Some of his comments are as follows:

In his autobiography he stated, “ . . . . In 1769, I became a member of the legislature by the choice of the county in which I live, and continued in that until it was closed by the revolution. I made one effort in that body for the permission of the emancipation of slaves, which was rejected: and indeed, during the regal government, nothing liberal could expect success. . . . “

Also in his autobiography it stated, “ . . . . The bill on the subject of slaves was a mere digest of the existing laws respecting them, without any intimation of a plan for a future and general emancipation. It was thought better that this should be kept back, and attempted only by way of amendment whenever the bill should be brought on. The principles of the amendment however were agreed on, that is to say, the freedom of all born after a certain day, and deportation at a certain age. But it was found that the public mind would not bear the proposition, nor will it bear it even at this day. Yet the day is not distant when it must bear and adopt it, or worse will follow. Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free. Nor is it less certain that the two races, equally free, cannot live in the same government. . . . “

December 6, 1806 Sixth Annual Message. “ . . . . I congratulate you, fellow-citizens, on the approach of the period at which you interpose your authority constitutionally, to withdraw the citizens of the United States from all futher participation in those violations of human rights which have been so long continued on the unoffending inhabitants of Africa, and which the morality, the reputation, and the best interests of out country, have long been eager to proscribe. Although no law you may pass can take prohibitory effect till the first day of the year one thousand eight hundred and eight, yet the intervening period is not too long to prevent, by timely notice, expeditions which cannot be completed before that day. . . . “

These preceding comments of Thomas Jefferson’s demonstrate his thoughts as to slavery throughout his life and that was to find a way to end it.

As to the comments that he raped slaves he owned. . . . . . I ask anyone here to produce any evidence of such occurring at his hands, such evidence simply doesn’t exist.

As to often referred to relationship Thomas Jefferson had with the slave Sally Hemings, although the relationship between Jefferson and Sally Hemings has been for many years, and will surely continue to be, a subject of intense interest to historians and the public, the evidence is not definitive, and the complete story may never be known. The Foundation encourages its visitors and patrons, based on what evidence does exist, to make up their own minds as to the true nature of the relationship.
A complete detailed report on this situation can be found at:
http://www.monticello.org/plantation/hemingscontro/hemings-jefferson_contro.html

Jefferson was on the record as antislavery prior to England’s outlawing it in their land.

The allegation that, “All the original revolutionary insurgents that caused America to break away from the Empire used slaves to build the new country for them while hiding behind their 'white' Constitution. . . “ is a complete and total false statement. Many of the Founders not only never had slaves, but worked their entire lives to eliminate slavery from America.

The statement that, “ . . . Britain's Magna Carta would not have allowed this. . . . “ demonstrates a total lack of understanding of Magna Carta and the histories and sources which produced it. Prior to, as well as, following its signing in 1215 (and by the way there are multiple such documents signed by various English Kings) slaves as a part of English custom was a fact of life and legal.

Finally, Thomas Jefferson would never have referred to the bible as justification for anything, since he was a Deist and actually wrote his own form of a bible and had little to do with the Christian religion.

Answer 2

He didn't like the Church of England's view that it was immoral and he was against the abolitionist movement that led to the British Empire outlawing slavery long before anyone else and enforcing anti trafficking on the high seas. All the original revolutionary insurgents that caused America to break away from the Empire used slaves to build the new country for them while hiding behind their 'white' Constitution, Britain's Magna Carta would not have allowed this.

Answer 3

Randy is an intelligent commentator. Jefferson wanted to abolish slavery and send all the slaves to Haiti. So maybe he wasn't so much interested in their well-being after all.

Answer 4

Typical of the politicians in this country.

Thomas Jefferson had several children with his female slaves.

Answer 5

Who knows?? He was a two faced liar who had sex/ and or raped his slaves and produced biracial children... what a two faced douche bag...

Answer 6

it is ok as it is in the bible