It’s true that Sally could have petitioned for her freedom while in Paris. She also had several family members remaining at Monticello to consider when making her bargain with the devil (one he didn’t keep, by the way)*. If you want to consider his hold over her blackmail instead or rape, I guess it’s your choice; maybe since she traded her body for something of value, Jefferson was a john (or a pimp if you prefer). It was never the love story you imagine; there was no guarantee Parisian courts would grant her petition considering the person she would be seeking release from was one of the most powerful Americans, and France needed America as an ally. What odds would you give on Sally prevailing? If she did win, what would happen to brother Peter at home? What of her other family members? I guess it was too much for you to consider Thomas Jefferson a rapist; why did he hide their relationship from the public at home in America if they were the loving couple you imagined? If she had said no, what were the possible penalties to her and her family? I’ll be waiting for your answer.

* I wonder if Sally was shocked in 1826 when she wasn’t freed in his will? I wonder how Sally felt when their son Madison wasn’t freed when he became of age? He had to wait until Jefferson’s death. You want to give Jefferson credit for this one thing (not being a rapist) I lump him in with all the rest, and you can take comfort in that he wasn’t breaking any laws. He could do as he pleased with Sally, and he did.