The Paris Trip Changed Her Life
Paris fundamentally changed her life. She was only 14 at the time! Sally Hemings was tasked to accompany Mary, Thomas Jefferson’s youngest daughter. They went to London and Paris because the future president had been the U.S. envoy to France back then. Hemings was not the only family member who went on this trip. This photo shows her brother James, who was the President’s chef! In France, slavery was illegal. Sally Hemings, for whatever reason, chose to return to the United States. To go back to being a slave in Monticello is fascinating, isn’t it?
The Paris Trip Changed Her Life
During That Important Trip
Regardless, the trip to Paris affected her life profoundly. While on the trip, Thomas Jefferson began an intimate relationship with the young girl. He was a widower in his mid-40s at the time, and she was only 16 years old. She became pregnant as a result of this turn of events. In 1789, she emigrated to the US from Europe. She had six children after that. They were reportedly mistaken for the owner’s children because of their striking resemblance. While it was clear that Hemings and Jefferson had a romantic relationship, no writings about it could be found.
During That Important Trip