Some things were very much the same during Thanksgiving of 1800 (discussion about elections and the electoral college) yet some were quite different—like women not being able to vote!
Here is the Thanksgiving scene from Legacy of Deer Run, releasing on December 8:
“So what do you think of the election next month, Father?”
Mr. Dobbins scowled. “I think our country is in for another precarious attack upon our freedoms. With that extremist Jefferson in the running, no telling where our country is headed.”
Stephen nodded. “The newspapers are filled with attacks on President Adams—accusing him of being a monarchist, senile, vain and having an ‘ungovernable temper.’ ’Tis getting fractious and ugly. And that beastly Burr running with Jefferson.” Stephen shook his head and took another sip of wine.
“Well, when the Electoral College meets December 3, let us pray they remember Jefferson’s zealous support of the French, despite their attacking our naval vessels. I think Jefferson was in France far too long. His arrogance smacks of sedition.”
The room became very quiet.
Dan noticed Susannah had grown very pale and she rested both hands on the table. She gripped the tablecloth. Eyes narrowing, her voice trembled when she spoke.
“Do you think we will have another war, Father?”
Mr. Dobbins reached toward his daughter’s hand and gently squeezed it. “Please do not fret, my dear. And forgive me for such unseemly, political talk on Thanksgiving Day. No, I do not think we are headed to war. Our most recent conflict is too fresh in everyone’s minds for anyone to desire such unpleasantness again.”
Although Susannah’s lips seemed to attempt a smile, Dan’s heart ached at the worry he saw in her eyes. He lifted his wine goblet for a toast. “To peace. And to God’s guidance in our elections.”
“Here, here.” Stephen lifted his glass, as did Mr. Dobbins.
“Well, now. Let us eat some of that mincemeat pie I’ve been hearing about. I understand from Modesty that it is the receipt that Missus Washington made for her husband, our venerable and late President George Washington. May his soul rest in peace.”
Susannah smiled weakly. “Yes. I shall serve it forthwith.” Exiting the room, Susannah slipped into the kitchen while the three men watched her.
“I should never speak of political concerns in front of Susannah. It always causes her distress.” Mr. Dobbins wiped his cheek with his napkin.
Stephen smoothed his napkin on his lap. “’Tis best women cannot participate in these ugly dealings. Or vote.”
“Here, here.” The three men lifted their glasses in agreement.
Coming December 8, 2016…
“The Revolutionary War is a war that I know little about, but this intriguing book has certainly piqued my interest. In Legacy of Deer Run, Elaine Cooper gently makes the reader aware that though the war was long over, not all was settled in the hearts and minds of those who survived. This gripping tale gives us a glimpse into the lives of families that were forever changed and relationships that were severely damaged. The characters in Legacy of Deer Run were so real and the story so engrossing that I found myself thinking about it off and on as I went about my daily activities.” Nancy Cavin Pitts, author of When You Come Home