Comparison between Byrd and Jefferson

When comparing the tone of Byrd’s The History of the Dividing Line, and Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, Byrd reveals a condescending view, while Jefferson displays a positive and sympathetic view of Indians. Byrd sees Indian men as lazy, cruel, and barbaric. Referring to Indian men, Byrd states “they choose to continue their idleness and to suffer all the inconveniences…rather than to…defile their hands with labor.” Though Byrd is critical of the Indians, he is at times contradictory; he admits that Indians have some talents under their dark skins. Though Byrd believes that nurture and opportunity, not nature, that are important, he does not seem optimistic that Indians can improve themselves with the opportunity.

On the other hand, Jefferson’s tone is one of optimism. Jefferson defends the Indians from Mons. de Buffon’s harsh criticism of the Indian men’s lack of physical strength, sensitivity, and mental capacity. Jefferson attempts to be objective by stating that his information comes from reliable sources that are well acquainted with Indians and providing examples and explanations. In response to Bufon’s claim, Jefferson provides the example of Logan, who is everything that Bufon says that Indians are not. Jefferson explains that Indians are not hairy because they find hair to be disgraceful and that Indians produce less children because their lifestyle rather than a difference in nature. Jefferson seems to admire the Indians for the rarity of crimes in their society. Jefferson also appears sympathetic when he writes about the Indians losing their land due to “spirituous liquors, small-pox, war, and abridgement of territory.” Jefferson believes that Indians have the same capabilities as whites do; the difference between Indians and whites is nurture or opportunities for improvement. Describing Indians, Jefferson states “his vivacity and activity of mind is equal to ours in the same situation.” As Jefferson explains, Indians have only recently been introduced to letters; Jefferson seems to believe that with time Indians can improve just as the Northern Europeans had improved during Roman expansion.