Thomgelica: Every letter

Dear Mr Jefferson

Dear Mr Jefferson,

My name is Angelica Schuyler.

My father gave me your address yesterday, and I have been debating what to do ever since.

Father said I should write to you about 'any academic theorems (I) wish to discuss', which I took to mean, 'Angelica, I have no idea what you're talking about, go and bother someone else'.

But I don't wish to do that, as I fear that you, like many others of your gender, would scoff, and start a patronising letter in return, possibly beginning with the words 'my dear girl'.

But I also admire your writings, and the way that you can seemingly contradict yourself throughout each moment if your existence.

You write about mans' rights to freedom and life, yet, who tends to your estate back in Virginia? Who makes your food, cleans your house, and serves your every need?

Slaves, is it not?

Slaves, who have been kidnapped, beaten and carted like cattle - no, in fact, worse than cattle, to a foreign land where they are made to speak a language that means nothing to them, robbed of their own names - their identity, and forced to do the worst jobs imaginable for no pay and no praise. They are stripped of their families, and work themselves to death.

You are an amazing man, if only because of your blatant ignorance of what goes on around you.

I am interested to hear your response.

I have the dishonour to be,

Your obedient servant,

A.Schuyler