Week 3 Response : Hemingses of Monticello



To The man atop the Hill,

Oh,  how you amaze me, and many of us who live below your view, and your conscience. I toiled and perspired into the foundation of where you sit. Do you know my name? Most likely not for to you, Thomas Jefferson, I was merely a gear in the contraption of labor that you took no physical part in. I imagine you sat in pride, the robust and gaudy depiction of your future home completely removed from the hands who were demanded to create the painful conception. I wonder what your home would look like if you were to have built it. Or at least considered, in your 'progressive' inclinations, the amount of work you were truly asking for? I shall not be romantic and assume that it would be any less luxurious than it is as it stands now. No, this is not the life you were ever use to. Did you know it took us over a month just to allow ourselves hydration on 'your' mountain? Were you ever thirsty while your genius  thought of further intricacies your living quarters might have once the labor was complete?
I ask you, Thomas Jefferson, as you engage in your recreational enjoyment of mechanics and creation, to recall those of us who gave you this mountain, who created this mountain. Your estate, beautiful as it is, was not solely your doing. We were tired, those shovels seemingly moving a single rock at a time; only a small pile moved come hour 6 of a wearily slow day. I dare you to look down the mountain time and again, and remember the view we created for you. I believe, if what they say of your kindness and manners is true, you would be in agreement that such a kindness should be acknowledged. I do not have the time to sit and write all I would like to say to you, for my time is not as much my own, as it is yours. Perhaps you will see me working when you look down in gratitude.

Sincerely,
A Slave whose name is still unknown to you

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