Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO BENJAMIN BANNEKER 1 - The Works, vol. 6 (Correspondence 1789-1792)

Return to Title Page for The Works, vol. 6 (Correspondence 1789-1792)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO BENJAMIN BANNEKER 1 - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 6 (Correspondence 1789-1792) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 6.

Part of: The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO BENJAMIN BANNEKER1

j. mss.

Philadelphia Aug. 30. 1791.

Sir,

—I thank you sincerely for your letter of the 19th instant and for the Almanac it contained. No body wishes more than I do to see such proofs as you exhibit, that nature has given to our black brethren, talents equal to those of the other colors of men, and that the appearance of a want of them is owing merely to the degraded condition of their existence, both in Africa & America. I can add with truth, that no body wishes more ardently to see a good system commenced for raising the condition both of their body & mind to what it ought to be, as fast as the imbecility of their present existence, and other circumstances which cannot be neglected, will admit. I have taken the liberty of sending your Almanac to Monsieur de Condorcet, Secretary of the Academy of Sciences at Paris, and member of the Philanthropic society, because I consider it as a document to which your whole colour had a right for their justification against the doubts which have been entertained of them. I am with great esteem, Sir Your most obedt humble servt.

[1 ]Banneker’s letter, with this reply, was printed in pamphlet form, as follows:

Copy of a letter from Benjamin Banneker to the Secretary of State, with his answer. Philadelphia, Daniel Lawrence. mdccxcii. 4to pp. 15.