Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History Summary

Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History by Fawn M. Brodie, was a “biography” filled with unsupported claims and discreditable knowledge. The book has a psychological view on Jefferson’s decision and did not spend a lot of time in his life. Brodie focuses on Jefferson’s “intimate history” by giving the reader evidence to Jefferson’s relationship with Sally Hemings. Brodie uses quotes from many of Jefferson’s letters, interviews with several of his slaves, and copies of letters sent to Jefferson. Brodie bases her claims on suggestive entries in Jefferson’s farm book, Hemings memories, and Jefferson’s trips to Monticello. Although the evidence provided can be discreditable, Brodie tells an amazing story that exposes the parts of Jefferson’s life that are often hidden from the public. The excerpts about the Sally Hemings

Jefferson’s grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph began to deny this affair between the two. It was alleged that the Hemings children were fathered by one of Jefferson’s nephews, either Peter or Samuel Carr. An abundance of letters was found between Samuel Carr and Jefferson that supposedly proved that one of the Carr brothers was the Father of the Hemings children. In a letter between Henry S. Randall and Thomas Jefferson Randall, it states “Virginia Col. Randolph informed me that Sally Hemings was the mistress of Peter, and her sister Betsy the mistress of Samuel-. (495)” Throughout the letter, the children are often described to resemble Jefferson. It was clear these letters were used to cover up the rumors and protect the Jefferson name. It states “importantly, neither Peter nor Samuel Carr ever publicly defended Jefferson’s innocence, nor did Jefferson ever blame his nephews in any document that has come down to us. (501)” It would have been possible to say that one of the Carr brothers fathered the Hemings children, but DNA test proves that these children have Jefferson’s