"Washington and Jefferson were both rich Virginia planters, but they were never friends"

In this quote, author Stephen Ambrose is highlighting the truth that although George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were both wealthy plantation owners from Virginia, they did not have a close relationship. In spite of their shared social status and similar backgrounds, they did not consider each other good friends. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as differing political beliefs or individual conflicts. Ambrose's declaration suggests that even among the elite class of Virginia planters, there were departments and disputes that prevented them from forming a strong bond. It also clarifies the complexities of relationships and the fact that wealth and status do not necessarily guarantee relationship.