12 Comments

This is the first time I’ve heard the word “oligarchs” regarding the slave owners.

Also, it is good to be reminded often of how much of our country’s past has been shaped by the freedom-vs.-slavery debate.

Expand full comment

WoW!! I read this yesterday but hearing it helped cement it in my mind! Happy Belated Birthday, Maine!

Expand full comment

The history of our country becomes ever more important to me as I listen to you bring it to life in each letter. I am forever grateful to you for reminding me of how our history motivates us to stand tall for the legacy of those courageous men and women who fought for our freedoms and not to ever take those freedoms for granted as so many have. Thank you Heather 🇺🇸🗽🙏🕯️🥁

Expand full comment

Hearing this read, was truly inspirational. Heard it in Heather's voice, "We can do this!". Happy Birthday Maine! Thanks Heather!

Expand full comment

I love this story. History gives me hope.

Expand full comment

Amen

Expand full comment

Not clear from the quote what terrified Jefferson. The end of slavery? The extension of slavery?

Expand full comment

Always happy to have my great-great-great grandfather (and namesake), Hannibal Hamlin, in the public discourse. Having grown up with family stories about him, I've been gratified to find them largely corroborated by historians. He was staunchly anti-slavery all his life, which was why Lincoln dropped him from the ticket in 1864, seeking in Johnson someone who might appease the South. By all accounts, that was a disastrous choice, and it's interesting to think what a different place we might be in if Hamlin had overseen Reconstruction. Originally a Democrat, Hamlin crossed the Senate floor in 1856, announcing his rejection of the Democrats because of their support for slavery. How the parties have changed since then!

Expand full comment

Thank you Heather for putting significant pieces of history together for create a fuller and more impactful picture of our history and the power we still have.

Expand full comment

where is the volume control?

Expand full comment

I use my computer volume.

Expand full comment

Cedar beware the knives of March

Expand full comment