Letters

Inconvenient Cognates

In his review of Annette Gordon-Reed's The Hemingses of Monticello (Book World, Sept. 14), Fergus M. Bordewich writes that "recent DNA research has caused most historians to accept Jefferson's paternity of Hemings's children." But the said DNA research proves nothing about their relationship. That research used Y-chromosome (male) evidence; and the only inference that can legitimately be drawn is that the Jefferson and Hemings families share genes. Other contemporary Jefferson males could have contributed them, including two nephews at Monticello who were long thought to have fathered the children. The genes could, moreover, have entered the Hemings family before the lifetime of Thomas Jefferson. Vast differences in probability may be obtained, depending on whether male or matrilineal evidence is used. The former is far less conclusive or precise.

Bordewich cites the author's "copious knowledge of slavery as it was practiced by members of Jefferson's social class." Indeed, miscegenation was taboo, and the taboo was often disregarded. But the practices of a class, without more, tell us nothing about the personal mores of a member of that class -- especially one so unusual as Jefferson. Deductive reasoning, depending upon how it is used, is a slippery instrument for historical inquiry. Bordewich writes that when Jefferson was U.S. minister to France, he "summoned Hemings to Paris as an attendant for his youngest daughter, Polly." He doesn't make it clear that she accompanied Polly, then a child, on the sea journey -- a fact of some pertinence. A casual reader might assume that Polly was already in Paris, and that Jefferson summoned Sally Hemings for other purposes.

Sally Hemings was said to be the half sister of Jefferson's late wife, Martha Wayles, and evidently looked much like her. If so, her presence must have reminded Jefferson of his great love. But to suppose that the resemblance led to a sexual liaison is to suppose that Jefferson conducted a flagrant affair under the noses of his daughters, in a very intimate household; and that is why many students of Jefferson's character have balked at the idea. Whether Sally Hemings's resemblance to Martha Jefferson led to a sexual relationship or to abstinence steeped in subtle taboos none can say. Books upon books later, most writers including your reviewer believe what they wish to believe. But we still don't know.

--EDWIN M.YODER JR.

Alexandria, Va.

I grieve for the English language now that spell-check has us in its thrall, especially when compounded by weak editing skills. The sound-alike word is accepted, and the paragraph runs on -- except that it's incorrect! How can I teach my children language skills when uncorrected errors are all around us? My son's teacher greeted her first-day class with a list of morning activities, including "calender" time. She was surprised when I pointed out the misspelling. She had used her "calender" for eight years without a complaint! As an art major, I know what a palette is -- and certainly as a former caterer and restaurant owner, I know what a palate is -- but obviously paperback columnist Nora Krug gave spell-check too much credence when she referred to food critic Tom Parker Bowles's "palette" in her review of The Year of Eating Dangerously (Book World, Aug. 31). I might expect that from another local paper, but please not our Washington Post!

--VANESSA V. MONCURE

Fredericksburg, Va.

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