In Defense of Thomas Jefferson

The Sally Hemings Sex Scandal

By: William G. Hyland Jr.

Narrated by: Steve Ferrari

The belief that Thomas Jefferson had an affair and fathered a child (or children) with slave Sally Hemings - and that such an allegation was proven by DNA testing - has become so pervasive in American popular culture that it is not only widely accepted but taught to students as historical fact. But as William G. Hyland Jr. demonstrates, this "fact" is nothing more than the accumulation of salacious rumors and irresponsible scholarship over the years, much of it inspired by political grudges, academic opportunism, and the trend of historical revisionism that seeks to drag the reputation of the Founding Fathers through the mud.

In this startling and revelatory argument, Hyland shows not only that the evidence against Jefferson is lacking, but that in fact he is entirely innocent of the charge of having sexual relations with Hemings.

Historians have the wrong Jefferson. Hyland, an experienced trial lawyer, presents the most reliable historical evidence while dissecting the unreliable, and in doing so he cuts through centuries of unsubstantiated charges. The author reminds us that the DNA tests identified Eston Hemings, Sally's youngest child, as being merely the descendant of a "Jefferson male." Randolph Jefferson, the president's wayward, younger brother with a reputation for socializing among the Monticello slaves, emerges as the most likely of several possible candidates.

Meanwhile, the author traces the evolution of this rumor about Thomas Jefferson back to the allegation made by one James Callendar, a "drunken ruffian" who carried a grudge after unsuccessfully lobbying the president for a postmaster appointment - and who then openly bragged of ruining Jefferson's reputation. Hyland also delves into Hemings family oral histories that go against the popular rumor, as well as the ways in which the Jefferson rumors were advanced by less-than-historical dramas and by flawed scholarly research often shaped by political agendas.

Reflecting both a layperson's curiosity and a lawyer's precision, Hyland definitively puts to rest the allegation of the 38-year liaison between Jefferson and Hemings. In doing so, he reclaims the nation's third president from the arena of Hollywood-style myth and melodrama and gives his readers a unique opportunity to serve as jurors on this enduringly fascinating episode in American history.

©2009 William Hyland (P)2020 William Hyland

An incredibly important book of vindication.

This book incinerates the accusations against Thomas Jefferson and his alleged affairs with his slave Sally Hemmings. The evidence presented along with the clear logical arguments from the obvious facts of Jefferson's life are conclusive and sound defeators of the accusations.

Great presentation of the facts

I was always on the fence on the subject of TJ and Sally. This book shows there is far more evidence that he is innocent! It's also sad how many people are continuing this myth for money.

Excellent Biography

Separates fact from fiction. An excellent read on debunking the myth that Thomas Jefferson had an affair with his slave.

Highly Possible

If I ever need a lawyer...I want this guy. The DNA is not conclusive and barring digging the old boy up...we may never know for certain. He is not a tool to be used by this or any other faction. He is the man who wrote the Declaration of Independence...let us praise him for that! He was just a man...fabulous and flawed!

A Lie Exposed

A beautifully told account of a lie that has been literally sold to the public.