Yesterday, we attended a reenactment of the day the British invaded Monticello, in June 1781.
MARTHA JEFFERSON
After arriving to the top of the mountain, we met Thomas Jefferson’s beloved wife, Martha who spoke extensively about her husband’s work towards self-governance.
She also talked about the running of a plantation.
Mrs. Jefferson also shared that she was well-read, so she could converse greatly with her husband upon many matters.
Not only that, but both she and her husband shared a common interest in music.
From Peter Pelham of (Colonial) Williamsburg, she took lessons on the spinet and piano forte.
MARTIN HEMMINGS
Then we met with one of Jefferson’s slaves, Martin Hemings, who gave us some examples of how he and the other slaves were educated.
They were taught to read and write.
The cooks knew French so that they could read the receipts (recipes) from France of which Jefferson was fond.
The joiner knew geometry.
Jefferson’s butler heard his master speak several languages (Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew, of course English, and perhaps German) so he picked up the languages too.
Martin emphasized that they also had common knowledge, or street smarts, and that is what made them so effective running the Underground Railroad of the 19th century. 😉
BRITISH INVASION OF MONTICELLO
Greeting us from the steps of his portico, Thomas Jefferson shared his memories of that day in 1781 when the British invaded his home.
After he stepped to the side terrace, we stepped back in time, to June 4, 1781, as Jack Jouett rode furiously to Monticello with blood streaming down his face.
A younger Jefferson walked out of the house, calmly greeting the anxious Jouett.
After Jouett told Jefferson to flee for his life because the British were coming, Jefferson calmly offered him refreshment, which the slave, Martin Hemings, was pouring.
At last Jouett gallops away, leaving a calm and thoughtful Thomas Jefferson talking to his slave, Martin Hemings.
After Jefferson sends his wife and daughter to Poplar Forest in Lynchburg for safety, he eventually leaves as well.
And not a moment too soon, because here comes Captain McLeod of the British Legion!
McLeod was angered to learn that Jefferson escaped!
JACK JOUETT
Then we met with the hero, Jack Jouett.
His face was so scratched from furiously galloping through the woods to reach Jefferson in time to flee, he was certain he’d carry those scars for life (and he did).
Jouett told us the British had been roaming through and troubling Virginia throughout the year.
As a result, their presence caused the General Assembly to move from the capital of Richmond to Charlottesville.
Meanwhile Jefferson’s term as governor of Virginia ended on June 2, 1781 (or so he thought).
Because of all the scattering due to the British presence, a new governor had not been elected.
Meanwhile the dreaded Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton, was sent by British General Cornwallis to hunt down the governor and General Assembly.
Arriving in Louisa County near midnight, they planned to proceed to Charlottesville the next day.
Overhearing their plan, Jouett quickly mounted his horse and furiously galloped through the night to Monticello (near Charlottesville), a 40-mile ride, to alert Jefferson.
Jouett then proceeded to Charlottesville to warn the General Assembly, which fled over the mountains to Staunton.
Those that safely fled included the indomitable Patrick Henry, Benjamin Harrison, Archibald Cary, and Richard Henry Lee.
However, some of the delegates were captured by Tarleton and his dragoons.
Meanwhile Captain McLeod led a group of dragoons up to Monticello…except Jefferson had just escaped.
On June 12 the General Assembly elected General Thomas Nelson as governor.
They also voted to award Jouett: an elegant sword and two pairs of pistols.
Meanwhile the delegates questioned the absence of the governor, implying that Jefferson had abandoned his post.
Jefferson insisted that his duties ended previous to the incident, so the matter was dropped by the legislators.
However, his past haunted him in future elections due to political opponents using this as a point of contention.
DRAGOON DEMONSTRATION
Next, we met with Captain McLeod, who answered our questions, then he narrated as his dragoons demonstrated their skills.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
After lunch at Michie Tavern, we returned to a much quieter Monticello…the tents were down, the horses were gone, the people had left.
Except Thomas Jefferson, who was chatting with some of the guests.
Remembering us from many past visits, he shook our hands.
My daughter asked him if he was truly *that* calm when he heard the news that the British were coming.
He confirmed that he was, indeed, *that* calm!
After discussing grape cultivation, he told us to enjoy his home and gardens, then left.
And we did!
