Halfway through the Meecham bio on him. Awesome. TJ knew how to Jedi-mind trick both the populace and fellow statesmen better than anyone we ever had.
In about 1774, he knew that the main grievances being held against the King were by the wealthy, land owners and the educated Whig thinkers. But he also knew he needed all classes on deck to get behind the idea of independence. So, while in Williamsburg he called for a “Day of prayer and fasting” of all Virginians to pray that “both sides” come to their senses and avoid a civil war. Then he spells out all of the grievances perfectly, acting like a neutral character but used the language sure to piss everyone off about what was happening while not being accused of treason (yet).
It really got all of Virginia on board and behind the idea of a revolution while calling for “a prayer for peace”. Genius.
csb
In about 1774, he knew that the main grievances being held against the King were by the wealthy, land owners and the educated Whig thinkers. But he also knew he needed all classes on deck to get behind the idea of independence. So, while in Williamsburg he called for a “Day of prayer and fasting” of all Virginians to pray that “both sides” come to their senses and avoid a civil war. Then he spells out all of the grievances perfectly, acting like a neutral character but used the language sure to piss everyone off about what was happening while not being accused of treason (yet).
It really got all of Virginia on board and behind the idea of a revolution while calling for “a prayer for peace”. Genius.
csb