1834, Chapter Eighteen Summary

Memoirs of Aaron Burr - Eight

Burr visits Thomas Jefferson at his home at Monticello in 1795, where Burr is treated to a great many unsavory insights into the man's inconsistent character. Jefferson is a man who mistreats his horses yet treats his slaves with a fatherly hand, perhaps because he is the father or grandfather to many of them. Burr is shocked to see so many "bright" slaves, slaves whose skin is actually lighter than Burr's own skin. Jefferson fears an uprising of slaves and believes they should be returned to Africa or the Indies, and yet he is completely dependent on them for his lifestyle. Jefferson never frees his slaves but does allow them to purchase their freedom. Such is the man Burr looks to for assistance in securing a position as vice-president to him. Jefferson promises to do what...