Thomas Jefferson Archives - 250 and Counting

Thomas Jefferson wasn’t as prolific with the letters as John Adams was with his own wife (over ten thousand letters between them during the course of the Revolution!), nor as much as George Washington, but he was still a deep thinker and he did write well and with purpose.

In today’s example he has to convey some unfortunate news to a political rival; specifically that the rival’s brother had died unexpectedly. His letter to John Randolph about Peyton’s death was rather brief and matter-of-fact. He also wrote Randolph his analysis of the battle at Hampton and the overall effect he thought it was having on attitudes in general toward Loyalists and the British. Most of this he pins on King George III, whose behavior he felt was inappropriate and is only going to push the Colonies farther away from England.

The post Thomas Jefferson Has Bad News–November 29, 1775 appeared first on 250 and Counting.

Thomas Jefferson was a writer, an inventor, a lawyer, a philosopher, a statesman, and of course a soldier.

Wait, what?

Yes, indeed. Thomas Jefferson was named commander of the militia in Albemarle County. It could be argued that the title was little more than ceremonial, but then again…Jefferson saw no combat. It’s entirely possible that his mere presence was a deterrent to the British, who wanted no part of this fierce warrior.

It’s not likely, but it’s possible.

OK, I’m kind of in a mood today, I admit. Go listen to Mike and his story of Jefferson the Soldier.

The post September 26, 1775: Commander Thomas Jefferson appeared first on 250 and Counting.