‘The Day Of Our Relief’

Dear Thomas Jefferson,
I would like to respectfully introduce myself as the great, great grand daughter of Madison Hemings. It is with some difficultly that I attempt to quell my enthusiasm in composing this letter. I also offer my most sincere apology in the delay as it was only very recently that I came to understand this communication even possible. This correspondence has come to you from the future of your experiment in democracy—The United States of America in 2009. (Article continued below...)

Please be assured your legacy is illustrious. Your Declaration of Independence is the model for democracy throughout the world. Before I disclose the celebrated event that will be the culmination of this epistle, I would like to briefly revisit two of your other writings. First, "Notes on the State of Virginia," which is readily quoted, as if those unfortunate words express your definitive position on race. If you have wrestled with the thought of these less than adept theories having found their way into history, be comforted in knowing that I have also read your letter of Feb. 25, 1809, in which your opinions concerning race had become quite progressive. Please indulge my reference of your compositions once more:

To Henri Gregoire
Washington, February 25, 1809

Sir,—I have received the favor of your letter of August 17th and with it the volume you were so kind as to send me on the "Literature of Negroes." Be assured that no person living wishes more sincerely than I do, to see a complete refutation of the doubts I have myself entertained and expressed on the grade of understanding allotted them by nature, and to find that in this respect they are on par with ourselves. My doubts were the result of personal observation on the limited sphere of my own state, where the opportunities for the development of their genius were not favorable, and those of exercising it still less so. I expressed them therefore with great hesitation; but whatever be their degree of talent it is no measure of their rights. Because Sir Isaac Newton was superior to others in understanding, he was not therefore lord of the persons or property of others. On this subject they are gaining daily in the opinions of nations, and hopeful advances are making towards their re-establishment on an equal footing with the other colors of the human family. I pray you therefore to accept my thanks for the many instances you have enabled me to observe of respectable intelligence in that race of men, which cannot fail to have effect in hastening the day of their relief; and to be assured of the sentiments of high and just esteem and consideration which I tender to yourself with all sincerity.
—Thomas Jefferson

Many have served in the hope of "hastening the day of our relief," but the genius and ultimate sacrifice of one in particular, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., would serve as the staff before many who would work diligently to not only re-establish our people "on an equal footing with the other colors of the human family" but make it possible for the one who will be president this year. The nation you were so instrumental in establishing has become the greatest on the earth. The unfulfilled ideals of democracy which I am certain burdened your heart are closer to fulfillment. Slavery is ended and we the people in the year of our Lord 2008 have elected Barack Obama—an African American to our nation's highest office. The president-elect has said, "It is only in this country the United States of America that my story is even possible." You have begun a great work that in 200 years has not only survived but continues to become a more perfect union.

On Jan. 20, 2009, a black American will be inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America. He will share the White House with his beautiful wife and two lovely daughters. It is my most sincere and heartfelt prayer that if any Americans harbor doubts or fears based upon race they will consider the position you so eloquently expressed, and recognize that our new president is not the fulfillment of a race but the culmination of the dreams of our founding fathers. Our president is embraced by a burden that is older than his natural years. The burden of our nation's unfulfilled potential. Our president-elect has said, "To whom much is given, much is required." We have certainly all been given much and it is my prayer that we will now work together as one people in the effort to move closer to realizing a whole and complete democracy under his leadership.

Two hundred and thirty-three years since you penned the Declaration of Independence; the citizens of The United States of America refer to you as one of our most illustrious founding fathers—the sage on Monticello, and I with great reverence also tender to you my admiration.

Your great, great, great granddaughter,
Clara Lee Fisher
Washington, Pa.

Fisher is a descendent of Sally Hemings.

© 2009