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Jefferson as Good Slave Master: The View from Fossett and Bacon
Jenna Goldenberg
[1] The poorly kept secret of the affair between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings makes us wonder what kind of slave master Jefferson was. Jefferson was a reserved individual, and therefore it was difficult for many people to get below the surface of his character. However, there were a few fortunate people who did share somewhat of a close relationship with him. Two of these men were Reverend Peter Fossett and Captain Edmund Bacon. Peter Fossett, who was a former slave of Jefferson's, had a less dreadful experience than most slaves and then went on to be a minister. As the chief overseer at Jefferson's home in Monticello, Bacon was able to witness many business and social affairs in which Jefferson participated. Both of these men portrayed Jefferson as a man of greatness, referring to him as someone who was kind and indulgent.
[2] Peter Fossett reminisces about his life at Monticello under his "ideal master," Thomas Jefferson:
The story of my own life is like a fairy tale, and you would not believe me if I told you the scenes enacted during my life of slavery. It passes through my mind like a dream. Born and reared as free, not knowing that I was a slave, then suddenly, at the death of Jefferson, put upon an auction block and sold to strangers. I then commenced an eventful life.
Fossett seems to have been brought up differently and treated much more humanely than the typical slave. Fossett dressed in nice clothes compared to other slaves and enjoyed residing in Jefferson's house full of company. More importantly, Jefferson permitted his grandson to educate the slaves who wanted to learn. Fossett was one of these lucky slaves who learned to read during this time in history. Fossett's way of life changed, however, when he was sold to Colonel Jones after Jefferson died. Fosset will never forget the day he was caught writing in his book. Col. Jones, his new slave master, was furious. He threatened Fossett and threw his book into the fire. Aside from that incident, his new master respected Fossett since he had more insight than most slaves. Fossett's understanding of the world can be attributed to Jefferson's kindness.
[3] Fossett and Bacon both describe Jefferson as a thoughtful and caring master. Fossett noticed that the slaves at Monticello were rarely punished, except in certain cases of stealing and fighting. If Jefferson's slaves were caught committing a crime, they were given the right to be tried and to defend themselves as if in court. Jefferson would not allow his slaves to be overworked, and he could not emotionally bear to have one of his servants harmed. Bacon recalls a situation that shows Jefferson's sympathy and sense of caring toward his slaves, a situation in which a slave stole nails and hid them. Normally, a slave would then be whipped for this crime. When this slave went to Jefferson in tears to beg for a pardon, Jefferson said to Bacon, "Ah, sir, we can't punish him. He has suffered enough already." This shows how Jefferson was able to accept the slave's repentance and sympathize with him, unlike other slave masters.
[4] Fossett and Bacon can be relied on as authentic sources. Sixty years later, Fossett was praising Jefferson as a slave master. There is no clear incentive for Fossett to be speaking so highly of Jefferson if he did not truly mean it. Fossett was also a man esteemed highly in society. He was loved by all the white ministers in Cincinnati and greatly respected by black people. His status in society further gives credibility to his words. Bacon is also a trustworthy source since he had the opportunity to watch over Jefferson and his plantation for over twenty years. It is clear that even many years after Jefferson's death, he passionately admires and shows great interest in discussing this founding father.
[5] According to Bacon and Fossett, Jefferson disagreed with the institution of slavery. As Bacon says, "No servants ever had a kinder master than Mr. Jefferson. He did not like slavery. I have heard him talk a great deal about it. He thought it was a bad system." Jefferson felt it was not the right time for slavery to be abolished and that future generations would take care of the issue, so he did what he could to make matters better by treating his slaves as best as he could. Furthermore, Jefferson freed a number of slaves in his will. Bacon believes that if it weren't for Jefferson's poor financial position in society, he would have freed all of his slaves.
[6] Both Bacon and Fossett allow one to view Jefferson as one of the kindest slave masters. If we accept the perceptions of these men, whether or not Jefferson had an affair with Sally Hemings does not lessen Jefferson's distinguished character. Jefferson helped create our democracy in which "all men are created equal," and he did his best to make the slaves feel less inferior to the whites during that brutal time period. Jefferson is seen as a great man to this day, and Bacon and Fossett, who were in their different ways close to him, attest to this.
