Sally Henmings

"Few episodes in the life of Sally Hemmings reveal the complexities of slavery, power, and personal agency more vividly than her years in France and the decision that ultimately brought her back to Virginia... In 1787, fourteen-year-old Sally Hemmings accompanied (Thomas) Jefferson's youngest daughter, Maria Jefferson, across the Atlantic to France ... (Thomas) Jefferson was forty-four years old when Sally arrived in Paris. He was one of the most influential Americans of his era, a wealthy plantation owner, diplomat, and future president. Sally was an enslaved teenager under his authority. The imbalance between them was profound... An enslaved person could not freely reject the wishes of an owner without risking severe consequences." Sally Henmings had six children fathered by Jefferson. Her youngest son believed that she was pregnant while returning to Virginia with Jefferson. She was about sixteen at the time. - Shadows of Monticello, The Untold Story of Sally Henmings