What developments in Jefferson's life caused him to withdraw from the topic of slavery in political discourse?

Question

Where Jefferson once saw slavery as the central flaw in Virginia, a sentiment he forcibly expressed in his *Notes on the State of Virginia*, he later “began to adjust his thinking to concentrate instead upon his conduct as the master of Monticello." What developments/factors in his life led to this change in attitude, and why did he change his position? (Quote is from Annette Gordon-Reed and Peter Onuf's *Most Blessed of the Patriarchs*.

Answer 1

Thomas Jefferson was outspoken on his opposition to the institution of slavery early in his political career. He introduced a law that would place a sunset on the importation of slaves to Virginia as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. However, this law was met with extreme opposition by other members of the House. After this experience, Jefferson realized that taking any legal action to mitigate slavery would simply not be a reality during his lifetime.

As his political career progressed, Jefferson further realized that his own political influence depended upon his membership to the planter class in the South. He became less vocal on the subject as he realized that his political accomplishments depended upon his ability to conduct official business while slave labor supported his estate. This personal conundrum led him to choose to simply treat his slaves relatively well, while laying the political groundwork that would eventually lead to abolition in the distant future.