Taking that short 30-second break from the sixth-circle chain gang, New Fish, Strom Thurmond paused to wipe his eyes with greasy sack-cloth as he considered the fate of the woman who had just come forth as his illegitimate daughter; Essie Mae Washington-Williams. After careful reflection, on her and a lifetimes' work that had gottten him such a well-placed job as "pit-boss" in Hell, Thurmond looked over the article and made his decision: can't let the team down now!. A quick glance at the paper (the Washginton Post, it is hell after all) reveals:

Essie Mae Washington-Williams described her claims in a lengthy telephone interview last week, saying she protected Thurmond because of their mutual "deep respect" and her fears that disclosure would embarrass her and harm his political career. Thurmond, who died in June at age 100, said late in life through his office that Williams was a friend.
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"We are not seeking to challenge the wishes of the late senator with regard to his estate," said Wheaton, who has been joined by Columbia-area attorney Glenn Walters in representing Williams. "Let's be emphatically clear: We are not looking for money. We are merely seeking closure by way of the truth for Essie Mae Washington-Williams."

Taylor said he has had no contact with Williams. Thurmond's will did not acknowledge Williams or her heirs. Williams has struggled financially over the years, and in 2001, court records show, she declared personal bankruptcy.

Strom Jr., Thurmond's son and a U.S. attorney, did not return a phone call seeking comment. In interviews over the years, Thurmond's sisters and staff have repeatedly said that Williams was only a family friend.
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After Thurmond's death, his will valued his estate at $200,000. He gave the largest cash amount -- $50,000 -- to his surviving daughter, Julie, and split other assets and his collection of clothing between his sons, Paul and Strom Jr. In 1989, when Thurmond had a declared net worth of $2 million, he began placing assets in trust accounts for his children, according to news accounts. Taylor said those estate accounts were separate legal instruments and were not included in Thurmond's will.

After Thurmond died, Williams hired Wheaton as her counsel and decided to write a letter to Strom Jr., who -- with his father's help -- won appointment to be U.S. attorney for South Carolina. The letter expressed the hope, Wheaton said, that Williams would not have to make a claim against the estate and that the matter could be "resolved among family."