Week 3: Jefferson to Parisian Court

Dear Parisian Admiralty Court Insider,

Hey so it’s me, Jefferson. You’ve probably heard of me—one of America’s founding fathers. One of my guys linked me up with you for some legal advice. I’m flying a little under-the-radar, though, you get what I'm saying?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s that I’m keeping it under wraps to protect a friend, who asked me to ask for him. He’s a decent guy, was a commander during our Revolutionary War. Good intentions, although I admit it’s a little much to put on me, the way he has, asking me to ask for him on this thing that really doesn’t sit right with me, you know? But I’m sure you know these political things, just have to make good on some relationships.

Anyway, the question. This friend from America wants to visit for a year and a half, with his wife, and he’s asking: if his wife were to be accompanied by her aide, that is, a young black boy, between 8 and 9 years old—would they be able to keep him around?

Let me be clear: I think y’all’s Freedom Principle is spot-on—tremendous work, gentlemen, really. I mean I’m completely 100% on board, of course. You know me, I wrote the Declaration of Independence for a whole country, and freedom is America’s middle name. And you might have heard me give one of my speeches against slavery. Us progressive-minded folks tend to run in the same circles, after all. So me, I’m with you, and with the law of Paris.

I’m just recognizing what you and I both know, which is that sometimes things aren’t as clear as the law. I mean, what if, just a complete hypothetical, someone had a slave with them, and didn’t really say anything? No one would come looking for them, right? I mean, yes, of course, we’re against slavery, but Paris has got bigger concerns than that.

But my friend, you understand, he’s looking out for his wife, so this petty little issue is eating at him. Do me a favor and humor him, and let me know what you think.

I appreciate your discretion on the matter. And again, asking for a friend.

Your brother in liberty,
Jefferson

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