Thomas Jefferson on Slavery

The topic of Slavery has always been a problem in this country. But for what? The reason’s to have slavery greatly outnumber that of why to Abolish it. I have 135 slaves spread across two plantations inherited by my Father and Law John Wayles. Without my slaves I wouldn’t be one of the largest planters in Virginia. I have enslaved over 600 slaves in my lifetime and have no quarrels about it as it has helped me and the economy to a great extent. Slavery as we speak is becoming more widespread and more profitable. I believe that African Americans ( blacks ) should have to work and it does not make them less equal. I once said that the slavery issue was like holding a wolf by the ear and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go.” I believe that although at times I have mixed feeling on the issue of slavery overall I have always had slaves and they have befitted both me, my family, and local trade and product production. My life has always depended on the labor of others, the center of my world in the 1750’s was my plantation on the slopes of a small mountain across the Rivanna River from Shadwell. I called it Monticello. I grew mainly Tobacco and Hemp and it was all thanks to my slaves that I could tend up to three acres a year of each. Americans and enslaved blacks ( African Americans ) constitute two “ separate nations” and can not mix in a peaceful manner. For all of the reasons I support pro slavery and believe that the way this new country is right now is the way it should stay.