Page:Lives of the presidents in words of one syllable (1903).djvu/39

 much did the men of Vir-gin-ia prize this work that they made Jef-fer-son their Gov-ern-or in 1779. Through the dark days of the war he held his post and gave great help in time of need. His hands were full of work. He had to watch the men of his State who had gone to the war. He must, too, keep back the red men, who might do harm at the edge of the State.

In 1782 the good wife of Jef-fer-son died. This worked a great change in the man. The young chil-dren then left to his charge were more and more dear, and all was done for them that could be done.

Twice Jef-fer-son was sent to France. It was his work to try to make terms of peace with Eng-land and this came at last.

Jef-fer-son was made Pres-i-dent in 1801 and had two terms, which made his work in this way end in 1809.

While Jef-fer-son was Pres-i-dent, a boat to go by steam was built by Robert Ful-ton. Fun was made of it, and it was thought not to be of much worth. Soon it was found out that a great thing had been done, and that steam would more and more come in use.

THE FIRST STEAM-BOAT.

From a boy Jef-fer-son had seen the slaves toil at their tasks hours and hours each day, and he had slaves more than a few of his own, but still he did not like sla-ver-y, and when he was head of the State he tried to do all he could to put an end to the slave trade. The first law to stop it was passed in 1807.