Lecture Notes: Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson

Background

• Sally Hemings:
  • Arrived at Monticello at age three as part of Thomas Jefferson's inheritance.
  • Lived a complex life as a slave, mother, and as Jefferson's alleged mistress.
  • Had a strong influence from her mother, Betty, and grew up with her siblings.
  • Described as handsome, with long hair, and called "Dashing Sally."

Context and Relationship

• Thomas Jefferson:

  • Founding father, author of the Declaration of Independence, and third president of the United States.
  • Owned slaves, including Sally Hemings and her family.
  • His life was full of contradictions regarding slavery and freedom.

• Relationship with Jefferson:

  • Speculated romantic relationship with Sally Hemings.
  • DNA evidence suggests Jefferson fathered Hemings' children.
  • Relationship began when Hemings accompanied Jefferson's daughter to Paris.
  • Sally was about 14-15 years old when the relationship started.

Life in Paris

• Freedom in Paris:
  • Slavery did not exist in France; Sally was technically free while living there.
  • Received education and training as a lady's maid and learned French.
  • Experienced living independently and was paid for her services.

Return to America

• Return to Monticello:
  • Jefferson persuaded Sally and her brother James to return to the U.S.
  • Jefferson promised freedom for their children at age 21.
  • Sally returned as a slave but with the hope of freedom for her children.

Children and Legacy

• Children with Jefferson:
  • Madison Hemings' memoirs and DNA evidence support their paternity.
  • Children were freed per Jefferson's promise and integrated into white society.

Public Scandal

• Political Fallout:
  • Story of Jefferson and Hemings' relationship surfaced in 1802 by journalist James Callender.
  • Scandal was largely ignored by Jefferson but gained public attention.
  • Jefferson never publicly acknowledged the relationship or children.

Later Years and Death

• Jefferson's Will and Hemings' Life After:
  • Jefferson freed only a few slaves in his will, including members of the Hemings family.
  • Sally was not formally freed but allowed to live freely; died nine years after Jefferson.

Historical Significance

• Oral History and DNA Evidence:
  • Oral traditions kept the story alive despite skepticism.
  • 1998 DNA testing confirmed the connection between Jefferson and Hemings.
  • The relationship highlights the complexity of race, identity, and family in American history.

Reflection

• Legacy:
  • Sally Hemings' story symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the complexities of American identity.
  • Her children were able to live as free individuals, a testament to her strength and resilience.