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The Ambassadors have done their best to accurately present all the materials in the Thomas Collection but also to offer some perspective as to how they fit into the broader story of America in those times. However, if I might add a personal perspective, my experience as a married man leads me to anticipate that, despite my best efforts, I may not always be right!

Indeed, I have come to believe that my calling in life may be to make a multitude of unintended errors thus serving society by allowing others to recognize my failures and thus feel better about themselves.

I frequently call to mind the old puzzle “If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound?” Relating this to my own circumstances, I ponder, “If a man is alone is a forest, and there is no woman with him, and he speaks, does he know that he is wrong?”

So if you wish to send us a letter with documented suggestions for correcting any errors, please know that I am well familiar with making changes in the face of higher authority aka, my wife, and will welcome your input.

John Paling, American Ambassador for Thomas Jackson, September 2021#