Why Jefferson Didn't Free His Slaves — Letters to the Editor - WSJ.com

Why Jefferson Didn't Free His Slaves — Letters to the Editor - WSJ.com: Unfortunately for Mr. Turner's argument, this ignores that Kosciuszko's bequest would have provided value for the slaves, completely protecting Jefferson's creditors. As the Wiencek book makes plain, however, Jefferson had carefully calculated the financial return he received on his slaves, and he knew he wouldn't receive an equal return from the proceeds of their sale.