American Portraits - 1951 51-07-17 (2) A Storm at Montecello

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: American Portraits – “A Storm at Monticello”

Date: August 28, 2025
Original Broadcast: July 17, 1951
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio (NBC/Ben Grauer, Narrator)
Theme: A dramatic and intimate portrait of Thomas Jefferson, exploring his humanity, inventions, love, grief, and the creation of the Declaration of Independence.

---

Episode Overview

This episode of "American Portraits" dramatizes a fictional visit by a modern couple to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, during which they are guided by an enigmatic curator as a summer storm rages outside. Through this device, the episode explores episodes from Jefferson's personal and political life, shedding light on his relationships, inventions, sorrows, and his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. The narrative blends reverence for Jefferson’s achievements with warmth and humor, aiming to present the founding father as both a great thinker and a deeply human individual.

---

Key Discussion Points & Dramatic Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: Arrival at Monticello

• (02:26) The present-day couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Jones, arrive late at Monticello, caught in a gathering storm.
• (03:45) The mysterious curator, Mr. Burgess, welcomes them inside, offering shelter and a candlelit tour.

2. Jefferson’s Innovations and Home Life

• The guests marvel at Jefferson's creative touches—like the “cannonball weights” clock and the automated double doors.
• (11:12) “Did Jefferson invent that?” – Mrs. Jones, referring to the innovative doors.
• (12:25) Jefferson’s fondness for gadgets is compared to modern sensibilities.
• (12:31) “He loved this house...he kept on adding little improvements. He would have asked nothing better of life than be permitted to stay here always. But always...he was forced...to leave his light, an airy mountain refuge for the battles of the darkling plain.” – Mr. Burgess

3. Courtship and Marriage to Martha (Patty) Skelton

• (06:17-10:07) The curator fondly recounts Jefferson’s courtship of Martha, including their musical duets and Jefferson’s awkward but heartfelt proposal.
  • (09:16) “Well, Patty, all the words come down to this. I love you. Will you marry me?” – “Jefferson” (as played by Mr. Burgess)
  • (09:27) “Even if you had written it out...my answer would still have been yes. You see, I love you Tom. Oh, there’s no thinking about it. I love you.” – “Patty” (Mrs. Jones)

4. The Invention of the Declaration’s Iconic Phrase

• (13:27-20:08) The drama shifts to 1776 and Jefferson’s struggles in Philadelphia to find the right wording for the Declaration of Independence.
• (17:13) Jefferson (Mr. Burgess) and Benjamin Franklin discuss the phrase: “We hold these truths to be self-evident… that among these are life, liberty, and property.”
• (17:38) Jefferson expresses dissatisfaction—“The word property doesn’t seem quite right, doctor. The meaning’s too narrow.”
• (18:08) Franklin proposes “happiness,” but questions whether happiness can be stated as a natural right.
• (19:41) A eureka moment: “Pursuit of felicity. Life, liberty and the pursuit of felicity. No, no, no, not at all. Pursuit of happiness. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I have it at last!” – Jefferson

5. Loss and Grief: After Martha Jefferson’s Death

• (22:36) The curator explains the depth of Jefferson’s grief after his wife’s death:
  • “For hours after that awful moment, sir, he lay insensible for days. He despaired of living.”
• (23:06) A tender scene with his daughter, Martha ‘Patsy’ Jefferson, helps him begin to recover from sorrow.
  • (24:50) “My goodness, Father, you’ve left no room at all for the horses.” – Patsy
  • (25:24) “You’ve helped me, child. You’ve helped me very much indeed.” – Jefferson

6. Legacy and Reflection at Monticello

• (27:03) The group steps outside; Jefferson’s inventions are highlighted, but so is the magnitude of his vision (e.g., the University of Virginia).
• (28:09) “Even his friends may accuse him of loving all this too well. But I think I can say he never failed to meet the challenge of events. The pursuit of happiness for him led ever down the path of duty.” – Mr. Burgess

7. Enduring Words and Modern Resonance

• (28:37) The curator recalls Jefferson’s commitment to unity and tolerance, quoting the inaugural address:
  • “Let us then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind… let us reflect that having banished from our land that religious intolerance… we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic…”
• (29:41) When asked what advice Jefferson might give today:
  • “The earth, he might say, belongs to the living. Make your own life. And surely, he’d say, draw closer together as brothers in freedom. Close your ranks and move forward without fear…” – Mr. Burgess

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Jefferson’s Humanity:
  • “It is the aim of this new series of dramatic portraits to blow away some of the dust of years, to show you a few of these distinguished men not only in their greatness, but also in their common humanity…” (00:32) – Narrator (Ben Grauer)
• On Jefferson’s Courtship:
  • “He courted her with music, which was his only grace when young, save for the knack of putting down fine words on paper.” (05:46) – Mr. Burgess
• On Writing the Declaration:
  • “I intend to construct as best I can an expression of the American mind in these troubled times.” (18:32) – Mr. Burgess as Jefferson
  • “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I have it at last.” (19:41) – Mr. Burgess as Jefferson
• Jefferson’s Philosophy:
  • “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free...it expects what never was and never will be.” (27:55) – Mr. Burgess quoting Jefferson
  • “The pursuit of happiness for him led ever down the path of duty.” (28:09) – Mr. Burgess

---

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:32 | Introduction to the series and Jefferson’s legacy| | 02:26 | Arrival at Monticello, couple meets curator | | 06:17 | Recollection of Jefferson’s courtship of Martha | | 10:44 | Transition to life at Monticello after marriage | | 13:27 | Introduction of Jefferson's writing box, Declaration | | 14:48 | Jefferson and Franklin debate Declaration’s opening | | 17:13 | Jefferson struggles with the phrase “life, liberty, property” | | 19:41 | Inspiration: “the pursuit of happiness” | | 22:36 | The loss of Martha Jefferson and Jefferson’s grief| | 23:06 | Daughter Patsy helps Jefferson recover | | 24:50 | Father and daughter plan her studies | | 27:03 | Discussion of Monticello’s view and inventions | | 28:37 | Reflection on unity, tolerance in Jefferson’s address | | 29:41 | Advice Jefferson might give to modern Americans |

---

Tone & Language

The episode is reverential but emotionally accessible—balancing historic admiration with intimate, humanizing dialogue and anecdotes. There is warmth, gentle humor, and occasional poetic description, while substantive themes about legacy, innovation, citizenship, and loss are explored with clarity and grace.

---

For those who haven’t listened:
This episode offers an evocative journey through Thomas Jefferson’s world, using the storm as a metaphor for his challenges and triumphs. It combines history, dramatization, and thoughtful reflection on democracy, family, and the pursuit of happiness—making an American icon both relatable and real.

Transcript

[Base44 Announcer]

Think about the app you've been wanting to build, sell something you've created, run your community, manage your business, or launch your next idea. Now imagine it's live. Before Today's over, meet base 44, the fastest way to turn any idea into a fully functional app. No code, no waiting. Just describe what you want and watch it come together. Backend, design, and all in minutes. A real product ready to share. From idea to live app. Fast start building. Today at base44.com the National Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

Presents the second in a series of eight radio dramas by George H. Faulkner entitled American Portraits. Tonight's star, Dennis K. The American leaders of 1776. Jefferson, Franklin, Adams and the rest. To most of us, these hallowed names represent dim, shadowy figures, barely human, usually posed in patriotic attitudes, stiff with the textbook boredom of countless dusty schoolrooms. It is the aim of this new series of dramatic portraits to blow away some of the dust of years, to show you a few of these distinguished men not only in their greatness, but also in their common humanity, as they must have appeared to their friends and neighbors. Tonight we shall meet a Virginian gentleman whose wisdom and courage and human heartedness are forever embodied in the basic charter of our liberties. We present Dennis King as Thomas Jefferson in Storm at Monticello.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Time.

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

The present place a winding state road outside Charlottesville in Virginia. Mr. And Mrs. Jefferson Jones of Main Street, Middle City, USA, are on the way to visit Monticello. They're motoring, of course.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Jeff, I do wish you drive more slowly. He's cursed.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Yes, dear, but we're late. Garage fellow said the place closes at 7.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

We should have left Williamsburg much earlier. I do believe there's a storm coming up.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Yeah, storm's almost here. Well, this seems to be it. Thomas Jefferson Memorial foundation ticket office admission 90 cents. There's nobody around. Uh oh, here comes the rain.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

I never saw it'd get dark so quickly. What'll we do?

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

We better see if we can get in the main house up yonder. Come on, Pat, hurry. It's beginning to cut loose. I'll try the door. No use.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

She's locked.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

You get drenched, Jeff. The rain blows right in. Let's go back to the car.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Wait a second. Here's a bell of some sort. Might as well give it a try. Looks like you turn it.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Lordy, that was close.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Come in. Do come in.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Thank you. Come along, Pat.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, this isn't an expected pleasure. Are you quite all right?

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Just a little wet in spot. I guess being late. We were lucky to find you in Mr. Mr. Burgess.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I'm the. The curator here. I often linger a while after the visitors have gone. Of course, it's quite against the rules, but I could hardly turn away a guest in such a storm. Not at Monticello. Now, I'll be delighted to show you about why the storm wears itself out in these hills.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

But it's so dark.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

The electrical fluid has failed, I'm afraid. But I believe I know where the candles are stored. Now, if you'll just wait a moment, I think you'll find the clock over the door rather interesting.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Patricia. Patricia, I don't like this. There's something strange about that man.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Nonsense, Jeff. He seems to be most obliging. After all, we're intruders here after hours.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

And all just the same. Well, I suppose we may as well enjoy ourselves. Look, I remember reading about this big.

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

Clock over the door.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

It's run by those cannonball weights on either side of the room.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

See? It's rather ingenious, don't you think? Oh, I am sorry I frightened you. Now, if you'll each take a candle.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Oh, my, you did scare me, Mr. Burgess. Did Mr. Jefferson build the clock himself?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, no, no, no, no. He designed it. A swiss clockmaker built it. It has recently been. What's the word? Restored.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Well, I'm sure it's very clever, but it's sort of overpowering. I don't believe I'd want a cannonball clock in my living room. And what's the latter for?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

To tinker with the clock. I've sometimes thought that Mrs. Jefferson, well, must have been secretly of your opinion, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

What was Mrs. Jefferson like?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

She was very beautiful, ma', am, with auburn hair and hazel eyes. Gentle she was, and kind. And most sweetly humorous, Having a gaiety of spirit, upon which, all remarked, far too good for that stiff and bookish young man she married. Or so I've always thought. He courted her with music, which was his only grace when young, Save for the knack of putting down fine words on paper.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Oh, did that happen here at Monticello, Mr. Burgess?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

The courtship? Oh, no, no, no. At her father's plantation, called the forest. Down country near the James river. Now, let's see. My, how time flies. That must have been in the winter of 1771. Now, perhaps you can imagine the scene in candlelight Very like this. The tall, rangy, red haired young man with a fiddle under his chin. Lovely Martha skelton of the harpsichord. He called her Katty, though not Martha. And he was very, very much in there.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

I do Believe we played it all the way through without a single mistake.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Well, almost.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I must confess to one wrong note myself.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Why, how perfectly dreadful. Hold out your hand, and I shall wrap your knuckles. Give me your bows. Now your hand, if you please.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Here you are, Patty. I'm used to this, you know. It is not the first time I've struck a wrong note in the presence of a young lady.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

And did pretty Miss Burwell wrap your knuckles, top?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, no. She straightaway married Jack Ambler instead of me, thank heaven. How did you know about Rebecca?

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Everyone in Williamsburg knew at the time. Everyone in Williamsburg always knows everything. Did she hurt you, Tom?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, I was very young. And it seemed the world had quite tumbled down about my years when I lost her.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

I've heard Mistress Ambler's version. She's very talkative. What really happened?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I thought I loved her, Patty. I also thought I wanted to go to England for a year. One night, dancing at the Apollo Room, I tried to get to the point of asking her to wait for me till I came back. It may be she never understood what I was trying to say.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Oh, she understood well enough. She pretended not to all evening. She enjoyed your. Your.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

My silly young awkwardness.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Your manlike discomfiture. But, Tom.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, Betty?

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

I'd never hurt you.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I know you wouldn't, Betty.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Not even in play with his bow away.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Cruel bloodjob.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

After all, what's one wrong note among so many? Shall we try again?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

No, not. Not just yet. Now, if you don't mind, Patty, I. I'd like to. Well, there's something I must say.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Yes?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I was determined not to be misunderstood this time. I. I had written it all out as I like to do. I even had thought to read it aloud to you. But then, well, that seemed to be a.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

A wrong note.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, A wrong note. And so. Well, Patty, all the words come down to this. I love you. Will you marry me?

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Tom? Tom, Even if you had written it out, even if you had read your declaration to me as if I were the House of Burgesses, my answer would still have been yes. You see, I love you, Tom. Oh, there's no thinking about it. I love you.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

You know, it's strange with me as well. There's no thinking this time. Not this time. It's real, like. Like music.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Well, then. Tis settled. It has ever been so since first we met. Shall we try Ben Jonson's song again?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Surely, my dear. And no wrong notes this time.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

From now on, Tom, no wrong notes.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

And so they were married on New year's. Day in 17 with a pair of preachers at five pounds each and a fine deal of fiddle music for a 10 shilling fee.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

And he brought his bride here to Monticello.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, to his beloved mountaintop. But things were quite different here at the time. This main building existed then only in young Jefferson's soaring imagination. Now, if you'll just come with me through these two glass doors into the salon, you'll notice that when I open the door thus, the other door opens as well, automatically.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Well, I declare. Did Jefferson invent that?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, yes. Yes, ma'. Am. He was often well in advance of his time. Now, if you'll just look through the windows here, you can see what the guides call his honeymoon cottage. Mr. Jefferson, I'm afraid, would have shuddered at the phrase. Yes, the rain has let up a little. You can see it. The small square brick structure yonder.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Ah, it is small.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, isn't it? It seemed even smaller at the time, but rather well, snug, I expect. It was very late at night when they arrived in a heavy snowfall. They struggled up the mountain paths on horseback at the end of their journey through two feet of snow. And they found no one about. No servants, and worse, no fire.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Must have been a dreary homecoming for the bride.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, no, no, no, not really. It was young Tom who found a bottle of wine hidden behind a bookshelf. And they were merry enough, I assure you. Now, if you just come this way. This is Mr. Jefferson's bedroom and library. The bed, set in the wall between, could be lifted up on pulleys and concealed behind the upper hangings there.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

My Mr. Jefferson must have been almost as fond of gadgets as my husband here.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, you see, he loved this house. And during all his days, he kept on adding little improvements. He would have asked nothing better of life than be permitted to stay here always. But always and ever, he was forced, over and over again, to leave his light, an airy mountain refuge for the battles of the darkling plain. If you were to seek out at Monticello a symbol of his career, it might well be this little portable writing box. It's a replica of the one upon which Mr. Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Goodness. And that little thing?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, One just like it. You see, it folds up into a very small piece. It's no beauty, I'm afraid, but it is neat, plain and convenient, as he used to say.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Somehow, sir, it's hard to imagine the Declaration actually being written out. It seems as though it must have, well, just happened.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Like the ten Commandments and Mount Sinai. Well, hardly. A great deal of effort on the part of a 33 year old Virginian went into every word. I can imagine that quite easily. The young man's mother had died only a few weeks before, and he was suffering from a natural depression and from migraine headaches. At the call of duty, however, he journeyed to Philadelphia, there to take rooms in the home of a bricklayer, one Mr. Graff, a parlour and a bedroom with a staircase between the two. It was his violin, like his writing box. Went with him everywhere on an evening in late June, the year being 1776.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Beg your pardon, Mr. Tom.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, Bob, what is it?

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

A visitor, sir. Looks like that old Dr. Franklin.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, show him up, by all means. Help him up the stairs, Bob.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Franklin]

Coming, Jefferson, Coming as best I can. No, boy, I can make it by myself.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, this is a great pleasure, Doctor. I take it your gout has improved somewhat.

[Dr. Franklin]

If one can discover degrees in absolute misery, at least I'm able to hobble about again. And your migraines?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, much better, Doctor. Oh, good. Won't you take a chair?

[Dr. Franklin]

Ah, that's better. A fine pair we make, each bedeviled at an opposite end of the anatomy. Well, sir, I can stay but a moment. I'm on my way home from Benfield at Bristol Way and I thought I'd see how your work might be progressing.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, it's almost Picture the app you've been dreaming about.

[Base44 Announcer (Alternate)]

Now imagine it's real and ready to launch. Before Today's over, meet base 44. The fastest way to bring your ideas to life without writing a single line of code. Just describe what you want to create and watch it take shape instantly. The design comes together, the features are built, and the back end is ready to go. No technical setup, no juggling tools, no waiting on anyone. A real product, fully working, ready to share, test or sell. From idea to live app fast. Start building [e-mail] warning the following ZipRecruiter radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

Words when you're hiring. We at ZipRecruiter know you can feel frustrated, forlorn, even. Like your efforts are futile. And you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people, only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. Fortunately, ZipRecruiter figured out how to fix all that, and right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip with ZipRecruiter you can forget your Frustrations. Because we find the right people for your roles. And fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.

[Dr. Franklin]

Fantastic.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

So whether you need to hire four, 40 or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com Zip to try ZipRecruiter for free. Don't forget that. ZipRecruiter.com Zip finally, that's ZipRecruiter.com Zip Done, sir.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

The charges against the King are drawn up as we agree. But I'm. I'm having trouble with the philosophical beginning, the. The opening paragraphs. Now, one sentence in particular.

[Dr. Franklin]

Would you read me what you have? The doubtful portion.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Certainly, doctor. Now let me see this. Yes, this passage here. This is giving me trouble. We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable right. That among these are life, liberty and property. Etc. Etc, as before.

[Dr. Franklin]

And what is your difficult.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, the word property doesn't seem quite right, doctor. The meaning is too narrow.

[Dr. Franklin]

But surely the right to hold property without disturbance lies at the heart of our cause.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Agreed. And the document as a whole will make that clear. But here in the very beginning.

[Dr. Franklin]

You'd like to sing a bit, eh?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, sing. Perhaps that's it. Besides, the phrase life, liberty and property belongs to John Locke. And it's been echoed by scores of pamphleteers of late. No, I prefer a more original expression.

[Dr. Franklin]

Life, liberty and happiness, perhaps.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, I thought of that. But can happiness itself be set down as a God given natural right?

[Dr. Franklin]

Scarcely. No, not when nature's God afflicts us with gout and migraine. Jefferson, if you'll pardon an old man's pessimism, perhaps you're struggling in vain for words. Whatever you write, the Congress will surely change it in the end.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Still, I have been set the task. I intend to construct as best I can an expression of the American mind in these troubled times.

[Dr. Franklin]

And I'd be the last to discourage such a brave attempt. I merely point out that some three score minds, most of them belonging to lawyers, not poets, will edit your work in the Congress. Personally, I avoid, whenever I can, drafting papers to be reviewed by a public body.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

That's a thankless task. Why expect no thanks, doctor, no praise.

[Dr. Franklin]

You get precious little of either. Except perhaps from posterity in the event we escape hanging. Oh, well, I must be going. You'll have the document for our committee On Monday I shall.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Doctor, can I help you? Yeah, if you would. Ah, there.

[Dr. Franklin]

I'm upright at least. Surely of all the impediments to the pursuit of felicity, a gouty great toe is the most damnably vile.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Allow me. Oh, no, no, no, no.

[Dr. Franklin]

I can manage all right now. Good day to you, Mr. Jefferson. And happy phrases to your pen.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Good day, Doctor. Good day, good day. Pursuit of felicity. Life, liberty and the pursuit of felicity. No, no, no, no, not at all. Pursuit of happiness. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I have it at last. Bob.

[Dr. Franklin]

You Bob?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, Mr. Todd. Bob, come here. Listen to this. We hold these truths to be self evident. That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with inherent and inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of. Of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute new government. Of course, Mr. Jones, no one today can be quite sure just how or why Mr. Jefferson changed locks. Life, liberty and property to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What I have told you is at best an informed guess. Mr. Jones? Mr. Jones, are you there?

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Right here, sir. I was just looking at the portrait of Mr. Jefferson Yonder.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, indeed. And you. You notice the curious resemblance to me of where many visitors have done so? I. I believe there may be some distant family connection. Well, well. The storm has renewed its fury, hasn't it? I think you will find this portrait more interesting than the other Mr. Jones. Certainly more handsome. This is Mr. Jefferson's daughter, Martha, or Patsy, as she was called. The painting is by Sally.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Oh, how beautiful she was so lively looking.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, like her mother. Very much like her mother. After his wife died, Mr. Jefferson could not possibly have gone on, save for this. This noble girl.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Were there other children, Mr. Burgess?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

There were six. Six? Three died in infancy. Only. Only two lived into mature years. Martha and Mary. Oh, there was much sorrow at Monticello to balance the great happiness. Do you not feel that this must have been true?

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

I think I know what you mean, sir. I have read that Mr. Jefferson was much, much affected by the death of his wife.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

For hours after that awful moment, sir, he lay insensible for days. He despaired of living. For weeks he. He remained secluded in his study yonder, pacing, pacing, pacing back and forth in terrible grief. And then one October afternoon with the autumn sunlight outside challenging the black hopelessness in his heart.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

Father?

[Base44 Announcer (Alternate)]

Yes, child?

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

May I come in?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Why, yes, Patsy, do come in. Of course.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

Auntie Carr said. I wish to ask. Are you not feeling better, Father?

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

Yes.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, I believe I am.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

And I was to tell you Dabneys had the measles. But he's better now, too, and Janie didn't catch it from him. And Grizzle has a new coat. A filly, Father. And Jupiter says Caractacus needs exercise very badly and all the stable boys are sad and. And when are you going to come riding with me again?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I suppose you've been riding every day.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

Yes, Father, on Bergeres.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

I'm not studying at all.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

No, Father. But the woods is so pretty now.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

And I've not heard you practicing the forte piano. Not once. But.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

But Auntie Carr said I was not to. Not after Mother. After Mother went away.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

No, that child. Forgive me, my. My thoughts, I'm afraid, have been too firmly fastened upon myself alone. But we must see that your studies are resumed now, before your mother, that is, some time ago. I drew up a daily schedule. I'd like to have you follow. It's in my desk. Yes. Yes, here it is. Now, from 8 to 10, practice music. From 10 to 1, dance one day and draw another. From 1 to 2, draw on the day you dance and write a letter. Next day, from 3 to 4, read French. From 4 to 5, exercise yourself in music. From 5 till bedtime, read in English, write. Etc. Etc. Well, my dear, what do you think of our little list?

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

My goodness, Father, you've left no room at all for the horses.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

So I haven't. So I haven't. Well, my dear, we shall certainly need to draw up an amendment. Well, the chair consents and it is so ordered the horses go in at a gallop.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

Father.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, Patsy? You.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

You were laughing again.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

So I was. You've helped me, child. You've helped me very much indeed.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

Everyone has been so worried.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes, I did. I've been making myself a problem to the entire household. No, no more of that, Patsy. I. I want you to run. Run, mind you. I want you to run and tell Jupiter to have the boys settle Caractagus and Berger at once. We'll ride together this after afternoon from now on. We'll always write together, Betsy.

[Martha 'Patsy' Jefferson]

Always, Father. Always and always.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

And so the clouds of sorrow began to be dispersed, even as our own thunder clouds are scattering now over the Blue Ridge.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

I do believe it is clearing up. You've been most kind, Mr. Bridges.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

This house has ever borne a reputation for hospitality. Ma'. Am. Now, let us, by all means, go outside. A sunset at Monticello after a summer storm. Now, that's a spectacle not to be missed. Oh, Mr. Jones.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Coming, sir. I was just looking at that big chair over there. It seems rather modern.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Well, the leather upholstery has been restored, but the design is another of Mr. Jefferson's little notions. It's the first revolving chair ever made, I believe. And there's a dumb waiter, too, in the dining room. Strange to me how our visitors are always so interested in these little. What was the word you used, Mrs. Jones?

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Gadgets.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, yes. Mr. Jefferson, I believe, would have regarded another of his ventions. The mold board plough was more important.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

My, he must have been a busy man.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

When in good health, Mamie never let the sun rise before him. Shall we go out on the terrace now? The storm is quite over.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Certainly, sir.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

There. There, you see? The reason for Monticello. Is it not magnificent?

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

It's really lovely, Wyatt. It's breathtaking, this view.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Yes. I sometimes think Mr. Jefferson loved his country so dearly because he could see so much of it from his own doorstep.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Over there, sir. I suppose that's the university of Virginia.

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

Those buildings.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Oh, yes. That's another of our host's many inventions. If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, he once said, it expects what never was and never will be.

[Mrs. Jefferson Jones (Patty)]

Oh, I don't see how he could ever be able to leave this spot.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Even his friends may accuse him of loving all this too well. But I think I can say he never failed to meet the challenge of events. The pursuit of happiness for him led ever down the path of duty. That path, in time, led to the presidency, to the new city of Washington just over yonder horizon. Perhaps you can picture him across the great valley there, striding into the senate chamber to deliver his inaugural address. Let us then, fellow citizens, unite with one heart and one mind. Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things. And let us reflect that having vanished from our land that religious intolerance under which mankind so long bled and suffered, we have yet gained little if we countenance a political intolerance as despotic, as wicked and capable of as bitter and bloody persecutions.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

Mr. Mr. Burgess.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

Eh? Oh, my mind, I'm afraid, was elsewhere.

[Mr. Jefferson Jones (Jeff)]

What advice, sir, do you suppose Mr. Jefferson would give his fellow countrymen now in 1951?

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

The earth, he might say, belongs to the living. Make your own life. And surely, he'd say, draw closer together as brothers in freedom. Close your ranks and move forward without fear. And may that infinite power which rules the destinies of the universe, lead your councils to what is best, and give them a favorable issue for your peace and prosperity.

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

You have been listening to Storm at Monticello with Dennis King as Thomas Jefferson. Other members of the cast were Denise Alexander, Martin Blaine, William Greaves, Ronald Long, Claire Neeson and Gertrude Warner. The orchestra is conducted by Milton Katums with a special score composed by Alan Shulman. This is Ben Grauer inviting you to listen to American Portraits next week when we will again present Dennis King as our star in John Yankee, the Story of John Adams.

[Mr. Burgess (Curator)]

This will be the third of a.

[Narrator / Ben Grauer]

Series of eight dramatic character studies of great Americans, produced and directed by D. Engelbach and written by George Faulkner. Tonight's script was presented through the Curtis in cooperation of the editors of Cavalcade of America, which is heard regularly on Tuesday nights and which will resume its fall broadcasting season on September 4th. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Base44 Announcer (Alternate)]

Warning the following ZipRecruiter radio spot you are about to hear is going to be filled with F words when you're.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

Hiring, we at ZipRecruiter know you can feel frustrated, forlorn, even, like your efforts are futile. And you can spend a fortune trying to find fabulous people, only to get flooded with candidates who are just fine. Fortunately, ZipRecruiter figured out how to fix all that, and right now you can try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip with ZipRecruiter you can forget your frustrations because we find the right people for your roles fast, which is our absolute favorite F word. In fact, four out of five employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day.

[Dr. Franklin]

Fantastic.

[ZipRecruiter Announcer]

So whether you need to hire four, 40 or 400 people, get ready to meet first rate talent. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com Zip to try ZipRecruiter for free. Don't forget that's ZipRecruiter.com Zip finally, that's ZipRecruiter.Com Zip Shop the Sherwin Williams Labor.

[Sherwin Williams Announcer]

Day Sale and get 35% off paints and stains August 22 through September 4 with prices starting at $31.84. It's the price perfect time to transform your space with color. Whether you're looking to revamp your interior or exterior, we have you covered with bold hues, soothing neutrals and everything in between. Visit your neighborhood Sherwin Williams store or shop the sale online. Delivery available on qualifying orders. Click the banner to learn more. Retail sales Only some exclusions apply. See Store for details.