It may seem as if Jefferson is not as responsible for the continuation of slavery as a furiously vocal proslavery segregationist. Yet by deliberately delaying the question of abolition throughout his career only to retire and blame his old age for his reluctance to discuss the matter, it’s possible that Jefferson did
more to hinder abolition than a proslavery advocate. While proslavery advocates at least make their position clear (and thereby open the possibility of debate), Jefferson demanded patience while making false promises, sapping abolitionism of its momentum.