Becoming a Founding "Father"- Historical Hamilton

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Unfortunate and The Unlucky

"No," Alexander says, a shocked smile on his face. "Really?"

"Oui!" Lafayette laughs gleefully, making me recede further into my chair with an embarrassed frown. "He accused me of being Jefferson!"

"Thomas Jefferson?" Tilghman looks at me with a confused smile. "Jefferson's one of the many Virginian delegate of Congress, sir, and I'd expect him to the complete opposite of Lafayette."

"Well, they're both filthy rich," I add. Tallmadge, Tilghman, Lafayette, Alex and I are all sitting around the hearth, all having finished our work for the day. I somehow managed to convince Alexander to take a break.

"Soul, you know nothing of politics- do not look at me like that, you know 'tis the truth- so why would you know or care for some average member of Congress? I do not mean to insult his honor, but he has done nothing very outstanding in his career."

No, that's not right. What did Dalia tell me all those years ago? Oh, right. "Did he not write the Declaration of Independence?"

Everyone looks at each other, before Tallmadge hesitantly replies "No..?"

"Wait, really?" I'm pretty sure Thomas Jefferson wrote that, but everyone else shares a confused and amused look.

"No one knows who wrote the Declaration of Independence, only that it was produced by Congress," Alex finally answers, contemplative. "I'd imagine several men wrote the document. Though, now that I think of it, the writing style and fluidity is similar to that of Jefferson... but it can't be him."

"Why not?"

"Wouldn't Jefferson include the treatment of the negroes somewhere in the document?" Everyone nods, to my confusion. "Surely, he- of all men- must find this Declaration hypocritical." Of all men? What is he talking about?

"Even if it he were offered to write it, I believe he would have refused," Tallmadge adds.

"Perhaps not refused, because Jefferson is still quite a fiery patriot, but I see your point," Tilghman says, and Tallmadge nods after a moment.

"Wait- Hold on, why would he refuse? And what has this got to do with black people?" I finally stutter out. A beat of silence, and Alex breathes in slowly.

"Soul, he's a- uh, how do I say this..."

"He's an abolitionist, Colonel," Tallmadge cuts in abruptly. "He's been almost exclusively representing them in court, he's been constantly issuing bills to protect 'their rights'."

"For a man so intelligent, he does seem have a few screws loose." Tilghman laughs.

What?

"Laurens is an abolitionist, is he not?" Alexander's expression dims when I mention him. My brows furrow at the light mocking. "I do not see you laughing at his actions."

"Well yes," Tallmadge says. "But you don't understand. Most abolitionists are alright- unrealistic, yes- but alright. Laurens' goal seems plausible, as we do need more arms, and he's a respectable gentleman. Jefferson? A gentleman he is, yes, but he is also a radical."

"Eh?" For some reason, that sounded... wrong. Thomas Jefferson and abolitionist didn't seem to fit together in my head.

Tilghman hums. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I have heard of his several bills trying to slow and eventually emancipate the triangular trade. I've also heard whispers of Jefferson setting up schools for blacks and Indians."

"Aye!" Tallmadge shakes his head, exasperated. "Some Southerners are so detached from reality- he shall cause America bankruptcy if he is given any power. It's a shame that such an intelligent man's mind was dirtied by black emancipation."