Thomas Jefferson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Thomas Jefferson - Essay Example The contention that it is inconsistent to proclaim equality of all yet to maintain ownership of slaves is perhaps the apex of the criticism against Jefferson. In my opinion, this criticism might be valid, but it is not fully. Indeed, Jefferson owned slaves, but he sympathized with them. In the letter to Edward Coles, he blamed the British who brought the practice of slavery in the colonies. It can be inferred from the letter that he treated slaves with dignity. (Jefferson, 1894) The criticism being valid up to a certain extent hinges on the assumption that Jefferson should have not owned slaves in the first place. But this is just a matter of opinion. Circumstances during that period, where slavery is not illegal, gave Jefferson no obligation to set his slaves free. Nevertheless, his Liberty of owning slaves should be respected as this did not conflict with his conscience, which sought for better conditions for slaves. During the early 1800s, Spain decided to cede the Louisiana Territory to France. When Jefferson learned of this incident, he instructed his cabinet for the negotiation to purchase this deal from France.